AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) 10-K23 Feb 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 11, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION [ABSTRACT]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LTD
Entity Central Index Key	1214816
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		100,838,704
Entity Voluntary Filer	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$4.60

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost 2014: $12,185,973; 2013: $11,987,146)	$12,129,273	$11,986,327
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value (Cost 2014: $531,648; 2013: $566,219)	567,707	701,987
Other investments, at fair value	965,465	1,045,810
Short-term investments, at fair value and amortized cost	107,534	46,212
Total investments	13,769,979	13,780,336
Cash and cash equivalents	921,830	923,326
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	287,865	64,550
Accrued interest receivable	83,070	97,132
Insurance and reinsurance premium balances receivable	1,808,620	1,688,957
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses	1,926,145	1,929,988
Deferred acquisition costs	466,987	456,122
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	351,441	330,261
Receivable for investments sold	169	1,199
Goodwill and intangible assets	88,960	89,528
Other assets	250,670	273,385
Total assets	19,955,736	19,634,784
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	9,596,797	9,582,140
Unearned premiums	2,735,376	2,683,849
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable	249,186	234,412
Senior notes	990,790	995,855
Payable for investments purchased	188,176	21,744
Other liabilities	315,471	248,822
Total liabilities	14,075,796	13,766,822
Total shareholders' equity
Preferred shares	627,843	627,843
Common shares (2014: 175,478; 2013: 174,134 shares issued and 2014: 99,426; 2013: 109,485 shares outstanding)	2,191	2,174
Additional paid-in capital	2,285,016	2,240,125
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-45,574	117,825
Retained earnings	5,715,504	5,062,706
Treasury shares, at cost (2014: 76,052; 2013: 64,649 shares)	-2,763,859	-2,232,711
Total shareholders' equity attributable to AXIS Capital	5,821,121	5,817,962
Noncontrolling interests	58,819	50,000
Total shareholders' equity	5,879,940	5,867,962
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$19,955,736	$19,634,784

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_PA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICAL) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available for sale, amortized cost	$12,185,973	$11,987,146
Equity securities, available for sale, cost	531,648	566,219
Short term investments, amortized cost	$107,534	$46,212
Common shares, shares issued	175,478	174,134
Common shares, shares outstanding	99,426	109,485
Treasury shares, shares	76,052	64,649

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$3,870,999	$3,707,065	$3,415,463
Net investment income	342,766	409,312	380,957
Other insurance related income	650	4,424	2,676
Net realized investment gains
Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses	-31,227	-9,362	-24,234
Other net realized investment gains	163,335	84,926	151,703
Total net realized investment gains	132,108	75,564	127,469
Total revenues	4,346,523	4,196,365	3,926,565
Expenses
Net losses and loss expenses	2,186,722	2,134,195	2,096,028
Acquisition costs	737,197	664,191	627,653
General and administrative expenses	621,876	575,390	560,981
Foreign exchange losses (gains)	-104,439	26,143	29,512
Interest expense and financing costs	74,695	61,979	61,863
Total expenses	3,516,051	3,461,898	3,376,037
Income before income taxes	830,472	734,467	550,528
Income tax expense	25,908	7,002	3,287
Net income	804,564	727,465	547,241
Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	-6,181	0	0
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	810,745	727,465	547,241
Preferred share dividends	40,088	40,474	38,228
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares	0	3,081	14,009
Net income available to common shareholders	$770,657	$683,910	$495,004
Net income per common share
Basic net income	$7.38	$6.02	$4.05
Diluted net income	$7.29	$5.93	$4
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	104,368	113,636	122,148
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	105,713	115,328	123,654

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$804,564	$727,465	$547,241
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year	-38,667	-161,832	348,510
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	-114,470	-61,551	-116,278
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	-153,137	-223,383	232,232
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-10,262	-21,414	510
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity and reclassification adjustment	0	0	1,718
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-163,399	-244,797	234,460
Comprehensive income	$641,165	$482,668	$781,701

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Parent [Member]	Preferred shares [Member]	Common shares (par value) [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale investments, net of tax [Member]	Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax [Member]	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Treasury shares, at cost [Member]	Noncontrolling interest [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Parent [Member]	Preferred shares [Member]	Common shares (par value) [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]			Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Treasury shares, at cost [Member]	Noncontrolling interest [Member]
Total shareholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2011			$500,000	$2,125	$2,105,386	$116,096	$13,784	($1,718)	$128,162	$4,155,392	($1,446,986)
Shares issued			400,000	21	2,582
Cost of treasury shares reissued					0						0
Issue costs on newly issued preferred shares					-6,456
Value of shares repurchased and retired during the year			-397,157		7,093					-14,009
Stock options exercised					2,517
Share-based compensation expense					67,912
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	232,232					232,232
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0					0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	510						510
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity	1,718							1,718
Net income	547,241									547,241
Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	0									0
Preferred share dividends										-38,228
Common share dividends										-152,607
Shares repurchased for treasury											-317,687
Total shareholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2012	5,779,761	5,779,761	502,843	2,146	2,179,034	348,328	14,294	0	362,622	4,497,789	-1,764,673	0
Shares issued			225,000	28	3,422
Cost of treasury shares reissued					-4,225						4,225
Issue costs on newly issued preferred shares					-6,551
Value of shares repurchased and retired during the year			-100,000		3,081					-3,081
Stock options exercised					16,889
Share-based compensation expense					48,475
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	-223,383					-223,383
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0					0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-21,414						-21,414
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity	0							0
Net income	727,465									727,465
Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	0									0
Preferred share dividends										-40,474
Common share dividends										-118,993
Shares repurchased for treasury											-472,263
Total shareholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2013	5,867,962	5,817,962	627,843	2,174	2,240,125	124,945	-7,120	0	117,825	5,062,706	-2,232,711	50,000
Shares issued			0	17	158
Cost of treasury shares reissued					-12,054						12,054
Issue costs on newly issued preferred shares					0
Value of shares repurchased and retired during the year			0		0					0
Stock options exercised					5,405
Share-based compensation expense					51,382
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	-153,137					-153,137
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0					0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-10,262						-10,262
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity	0							0
Net income	804,564									804,564
Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	6,181									6,181
Preferred share dividends										-40,088
Common share dividends										-117,859
Shares repurchased for treasury											-543,202
Total shareholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2014	$5,879,940	$5,821,121	$627,843	$2,191	$2,285,016	($28,192)	($17,382)	$0	($45,574)	$5,715,504	($2,763,859)	$58,819

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$804,564	$727,465	$547,241
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net realized investment gains	-132,108	-75,564	-127,469
Net realized and unrealized gains on other investments	-57,621	-128,814	-87,623
Amortization of fixed maturities	113,879	139,667	135,297
Other amortization and depreciation	24,970	23,272	13,821
Share-based compensation expense	63,237	57,168	67,912
Changes in:
Accrued interest receivable	13,788	88	1,126
Reinsurance recoverable balances	-16,204	-66,169	-93,490
Deferred acquisition costs	-11,026	-66,874	18,279
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	-25,185	-14,585	-77,053
Reserve for loss and loss expenses	46,903	523,409	633,686
Unearned premiums	58,376	229,157	230
Insurance and reinsurance balances, net	-102,593	-250,463	3,218
Other items	81,202	-789	85,442
Net cash provided by operating activities	862,182	1,096,968	1,120,617
Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities	-12,047,004	-12,230,274	-13,513,143
Equity securities	-564,562	-240,926	-377,749
Other investments	-75,542	-166,835	-110,084
Short-term investments	-669,494	-198,168	-383,981
Proceeds from the sale of:
Fixed maturities	10,799,112	10,261,256	11,144,351
Equity securities	740,900	323,423	468,473
Other investments	213,508	93,277	53,590
Short-term investments	526,460	197,690	354,924
Proceeds from redemption of fixed maturities	1,086,244	1,407,676	1,456,553
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments	80,474	61,715	69,751
Purchase of other assets	-20,857	-24,304	-35,322
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	-223,315	26,183	10,256
Net cash used in investing activities	-154,076	-489,287	-862,381
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes	494,344	0	0
Redemption of senior notes	500,000	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	0	218,449	393,544
Repurchase of preferred shares	0	-100,000	-404,073
Repurchase of common shares	-543,202	-472,263	-317,687
Dividends paid - common shares	-117,619	-118,426	-120,487
Dividends paid - preferred shares	-40,088	-39,193	-38,228
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	5,550	20,339	5,120
Sale of shares to noncontrolling interests	25,000	50,000	0
Return of capital to noncontrolling interests	-10,000	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-686,015	-441,094	-481,811
Effect of exchange rate changes on foreign currency cash and cash equivalents	-23,587	-3,078	1,543
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,496	163,509	-222,032
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	923,326	759,817	981,849
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	921,830	923,326	759,817
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	7,654	22,472	10,897
Interest paid	$68,850	$58,125	$58,125

HISTORY

HISTORY	12 Months Ended
HISTORY	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
HISTORY [Text Block]	AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (“AXIS Capital”) is the Bermuda-based holding company for the AXIS group of companies, collectively the “Company”. AXIS Capital was incorporated on December 9, 2002, under the laws of Bermuda. Through its subsidiaries and branches organized in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Canada, Australia and Latin America, AXIS Capital provides a broad range of (re)insurance products on a worldwide basis under two distinct global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re. In these notes, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” refer to AXIS Capital and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

	On January 25, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive amalgamation agreement with PartnerRe Ltd. PartnerRe Ltd., through its principal operating subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and certain specialty insurance lines on a worldwide basis. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2015, subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies, regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of AXIS Capital, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	A VIE is an entity that either: (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE if we have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, based on the following two characteristics: a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	Tabular dollar and share amounts are in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts. All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes that the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:


	•	reserve for losses and loss expenses;

	•	reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including the provision for uncollectible amounts;

	•	gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;

	•	other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in the carrying value of available-for-sale investment securities; and

	•	fair value measurements for our financial assets and liabilities.
	Our significant accounting policies are:


	a)	Investments
	Investments available for sale
	Our fixed maturities and equities classified as “available for sale” are reported at fair value at the balance sheet date. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the determination of fair value. The change in fair value (net unrealized gain or loss) on our available for sale investments, net of tax, is included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in shareholders’ equity.
	Net investment income includes interest and dividend income and the amortization of market premiums and discounts and is presented net of investment expenses. Investment income is recognized when earned. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade-date basis and realized gains/losses on sales of investments are determined based on the specific identification method.
	We recognize investment income from fixed maturities based on the constant effective yield method, which includes an adjustment for estimated principal repayments, if any. The effective yield used to determine the amortization for fixed maturities subject to prepayment risk (e.g. asset-backed, loan-backed and other structured securities) is recalculated and adjusted periodically based upon actual historical and/or projected future cash flows. The adjustments to the yield for highly-rated prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the retrospective method. The adjustments to the yield for other prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the prospective method.
	On a quarterly basis, we assess whether unrealized losses on available for sale investments represent impairments that are other than temporary. Several factors are considered in this assessment including, but not limited to: (i) the extent and duration of the decline, (ii) the reason for the decline (e.g. credit spread widening, credit event, foreign exchange rate movements), (iii) the historical and implied future volatility of the fair value, (iv) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (v) the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable.
	A fixed maturity is impaired when the fair value is below its amortized cost. For an impaired fixed maturity where we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the full amount of the impairment is charged to earnings and is included in net realized investment gains (losses). Where we intend to hold the impaired fixed maturity, we estimate the anticipated credit loss of the security and recognize only this portion of the impairment in earnings, with the remaining non-credit related balance of the impairment (i.e. related to interest rates, market conditions, etc.) recognized in AOCI.
	We impair an equity security in an unrealized loss position when we do not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a reasonable period of time to allow for a full recovery. The full impairment is charged to earnings and is included in net realized investment gains (losses).

	Upon recognition of an OTTI, the new cost basis for the security is the previous amortized cost for a fixed maturity or cost for an equity security less the OTTI recognized in earnings. The new cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value; except for fixed maturities whereby the difference between the new cost basis and the expected cash flows is accreted on a quarterly basis to net investment income over the remaining life of the fixed maturity.
	Other investments
	We record other investments at fair value (see Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements), with both changes in fair value and realized gains/losses reported in net investment income.
	Short-term investments
	Short-term investments primarily comprise highly-liquid debt securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.


	b)	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash equivalents include money-market funds and fixed interest deposits placed with a maturity of under 90 days when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term, liquid nature of these securities. Our restricted cash balance primarily relates to funds held in trust in support of our obligations in regulatory jurisdictions where we operate as a non-admitted carrier.


	c)	Premiums and Acquisition Costs
	Premiums
	Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of the underlying policies. Reinsurance premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract and are estimated based upon information received from ceding companies. For multi-year contracts where (re)insurance premiums are payable in annual installments, premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract based on management’s best estimate of total premiums to be received. However, premiums are normally recognized on an annual basis for multi-year contracts where the cedant has the ability to unilaterally commute or cancel coverage within the term of the policy. The remaining annual premiums are included as written at each successive anniversary date within the multi-year term.
	Any subsequent differences arising on insurance and reinsurance premium estimates are recorded in the period they are determined.
	(Re)insurance premiums are earned evenly over the period during which we are exposed to the underlying risk, which is generally one to two years with the exception of multi-year contracts. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired risks under contracts in force.
	Reinstatement premiums are recognized and earned at the time a loss event occurs, where the coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on our estimate of losses and loss adjustment expenses, which reflects management’s judgment, as described in Note 2(d) – Losses and Loss Expenses below.

	Premiums receivable balances are reviewed for impairment at least quarterly and an allowance is established for amounts considered uncollectible. The need for charge-off of any amounts previously reserved as uncollectible is assessed on a quarterly basis.
	Acquisition Costs
	Acquisition costs vary with and are directly related to the acquisition of (re)insurance contracts and consist primarily of fees and commissions paid to brokers and premium taxes. Premiums receivable are presented net of applicable acquisition costs when contract terms provide for the right of offset. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions earned on ceded reinsurance. Our net acquisition costs are deferred and charged to expense as the related premium is earned.
	Anticipated losses and loss expenses, other costs and investment income related to these premiums are considered in assessing the recoverability of our deferred acquisition costs. If deferred amounts are estimated to be unrecoverable, they are expensed. Compensation expenses for personnel involved in contract acquisition, as well as advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.


	d)	Losses and Loss Expenses
	Our reserve for losses and loss expenses represents an estimate of the unpaid portion of our ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses for (re)insured events that have occurred at or before the balance sheet date. The balance reflects both claims that have been reported to us (“case reserves”) and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”). These amounts are reduced for estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation recoveries.
	We review our reserve for losses and loss expenses on a quarterly basis. Case reserves are primarily established based on amounts reported from insureds and/or their brokers. Management estimates IBNR after reviewing detailed actuarial analyses and applying informed judgment regarding qualitative factors that may not be fully captured in the actuarial estimates. A variety of actuarial methods are utilized in this process, including the Expected Loss Ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and Chain Ladder methods. Our estimate is highly dependent on management’s judgment as to which method(s) are most appropriate for a particular accident year and class of business. Our historical claims data is often supplemented with industry benchmarks when applying these methodologies.
	Any adjustments to our previous reserve for losses and loss expenses estimates are recognized in the period they are determined. While we believe that our reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate, this estimate requires significant judgment and new information, events or circumstances may result in ultimate losses that are materially greater or less than provided for in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


	e)	Reinsurance
	In the normal course of business, we purchase reinsurance protection to limit our ultimate losses from catastrophic events and to reduce our loss aggregation risk. The premiums paid to our reinsurers (i.e. premiums ceded) are expensed over the coverage period. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of the contracts in force. Reinstatement-related premiums ceded are recorded at the time a loss event occurs and our coverage limits for the remaining life of a contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms; such premiums are expensed over the remaining risk period.
	Reinsurance recoverable related to our case reserves is estimated on a case-by-case basis by applying the terms of any applicable reinsurance coverage to our individual case reserve estimates. Our estimate of reinsurance recoverable related to our IBNR reserves is generally developed as part of our loss reserving process.
	Our reinsurance recoverable is presented net of a provision for uncollectible amounts, reflecting the amount we believe will ultimately not be recovered due to reinsurer insolvency, contractual disputes and/or some other reason. We apply case-specific provisions against certain recoveries that we deem unlikely to be collected in full. In addition, we use a default analysis to estimate our provision for uncollectible amounts on the remainder of the balance.
	The estimates of our reinsurance recoverable and the associated provision require management’s judgment and are reviewed in detail on a quarterly basis. Any adjustments to amounts recognized in prior periods are reported in our net losses and loss expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period when the adjustments were identified. The charge-off of amounts previously reserved as uncollectible is also considered on a case-by-case basis as part of this quarterly process.


f)	Foreign Exchange
The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. In translating the financial statements of our subsidiaries or branches where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are converted into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses are converted using the weighted average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments is reported as a separate component of AOCI in shareholders’ equity.
In recording foreign currency transactions, revenue and expense items are converted to the relevant functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the transaction date. Assets and liabilities originating in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting foreign currency gains or losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with the exception of those related to foreign-denominated available for sale investments. For these investments, exchange rate fluctuations represent an unrealized appreciation/depreciation in the value of the securities and are included in the related component of AOCI.


g)	Share-Based Compensation
The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards and units, stock options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The fair value of service-based awards is measured at the grant date, with the associated expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period. The fair value of performance-based awards ("PSUs") is measured at the grant date based on pre-established targets relating to certain performance based measures achieved by the Company, with the associated expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable performance and vesting period. The compensation expense for PSUs is subject to a periodic review and adjustment taking into account actual performance of the Company. The fair value of the liability associated with cash-settled awards is re-measured at each balance sheet date, with the effects recognized as an increase or decrease to share-based compensation expense for the period. Forfeiture benefits are estimated at the time of grant and incorporated in the determination of share-based compensation expense.


h)	Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments not Designated as Hedging Instruments
We may enter into derivative instruments such as futures, options, interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts as part of our overall foreign currency risk management strategy, to obtain exposure to a particular financial market or for yield enhancement. During 2013, we began to write derivative based risk management products designed to address weather and commodity price risks, with the objective of generating profits on a portfolio basis. From time to time we may also enter into (re)insurance contracts that meet the FASB’s definition of a derivative contract.
We measure all derivative instruments at fair value (see Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements) and recognize them as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value and any realized gains or losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
We may designate a currency derivative as a hedge of foreign exchange rate-related movements in the fair value of certain investment portfolios. This is referred to as a fair value hedge. Changes in the fair value of the designated fair value hedge, along with the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, along with any hedge ineffectiveness.
To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value of the hedged item. Further, the hedge relationship must be designated and formally documented at the inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge, including the item and risk that is being hedged, the derivative that is being used, and how effectiveness will be assessed. We formally measure the hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. We evaluate the effectiveness on a retrospective and prospective basis, using the period-to-period dollar offset method. Using this method, if the hedge correlation is within the range of 80% to 125%, we consider the hedge effective and apply hedge accounting. Cash flows from derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments are presented as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


i)	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We classify intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with finite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization, and (3) goodwill.
We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives in proportion to the estimated economic benefits of the intangible assets. We also test these assets for impairment if circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. Such circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. If, as a result of such an evaluation, we determine that the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible assets is not recoverable, the value of the assets will be reduced to fair value with the difference being expensed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our intangible assets with indefinite lives include licenses held by certain subsidiaries in various jurisdictions that allow such subsidiaries to write insurance and/or reinsurance business. These intangible assets are carried at or below estimated fair value and are tested annually for impairment, either qualitatively or quantitatively, and between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired.

We have recorded goodwill in connection with certain acquisitions. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is assigned to applicable reporting unit(s) on the acquisition date, based upon the expected benefit to be received by the reporting unit. We determine the expected benefit based on several factors, including the purpose of the business combination, our strategy subsequent to the business combination and the structure of the acquired company subsequent to the business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization. We test goodwill for potential impairment during the fourth quarter each year and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to a level below its carrying amount. We have the option to first make this assessment on a qualitative basis. Should we choose to forgo this option, or if our qualitative assessment indicates that fair value is more likely than not below carrying value, we conduct a quantitative two-step impairment evaluation at the reporting unit level. First, we identify potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair values of the reporting units to estimated book values, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is derived based upon valuation techniques and assumptions that we believe market participants would use to value our business. The estimated fair values are generally determined utilizing methodologies that incorporate discounted cash flow analyses. The values derived from the analyses are then compared to recent market transactions for reasonableness. We derive the net book value of our reporting units by estimating the amount of shareholders’ equity required to support the activities of each reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated book value, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the book value exceeds the estimated fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill in order to determine the magnitude of impairment to be recognized. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of a reporting unit’s identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole. The excess of the carrying value of goodwill above the implied goodwill, if any, would be recognized as an impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


j)	Income Taxes
Certain subsidiaries and branches of the Company operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income, or in certain cases to AOCI, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities used in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When our assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized in the foreseeable future, a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded. We recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authorities.


k)	Treasury Shares
Common shares repurchased by the Company and not subsequently canceled are classified as treasury shares and are recorded at cost. This results in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When shares are reissued from treasury, we use the average cost method to determine the cost of the reissued shares. Gains on sales/reissuances of treasury shares are credited to additional paid-in capital, while losses are charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent that previous net gains from reissued treasury shares were included therein; otherwise losses are charged to retained earnings.


l)	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Revenue From Contracts With Customers

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on revenue recognition affecting any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, insurance contracts are not in scope of the new guidance). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

Share-Based Compensation

In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for share-based payments where a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period has ended, requiring that compensation costs be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and to represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. As the new guidance was issued to clarify treatment where there was divergence in accounting practice, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Consolidation

In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance making changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model for consolidation. This new guidance could lead to changes in consolidation conclusions. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Text Block]	Our underwriting operations are organized around our global underwriting platforms, AXIS Insurance and AXIS Re. Therefore we have determined that we have two reportable segments, insurance and reinsurance. We do not allocate our assets by segment, with the exception of goodwill and intangible assets, as we evaluate the underwriting results of each segment separately from the results of our investment portfolio.
	Insurance
	Our insurance segment provides insurance coverage on a worldwide basis. The product lines in this segment are property, marine, terrorism, aviation, credit and political risk, professional lines, liability and accident and health.

	Reinsurance
	Our reinsurance segment provides non-life treaty reinsurance to insurance companies on a worldwide basis. The product lines in this segment are catastrophe, property, professional lines, credit and surety, motor, liability, agriculture, engineering and other. The reinsurance segment also writes derivative based risk management products designed to address weather and commodity price risks.
	The following tables summarize the underwriting results of our reportable segments, as well as the carrying values of allocated goodwill and intangible assets:



		At and year ended December 31, 2014	Insurance				Reinsurance				Total

		Gross premiums written	$	2,535,415			$	2,176,104			$	4,711,519

		Net premiums written	1,779,501				2,127,474				3,906,975

		Net premiums earned	1,830,544				2,040,455				3,870,999

		Other insurance related income (loss)	(11		)		661				650

		Net losses and loss expenses	(1,131,880		)		(1,054,842		)		(2,186,722		)
		Acquisition costs	(278,804		)		(458,393		)		(737,197		)
		General and administrative expenses	(341,214		)		(144,987		)		(486,201		)
		Underwriting income	$	78,635			$	382,894			461,529


		Corporate expenses									(135,675		)
		Net investment income									342,766

		Net realized investment gains									132,108

		Foreign exchange gains									104,439

		Interest expense and financing costs									(74,695		)
		Income before income taxes									$	830,472


		Net loss and loss expense ratio	61.8		%		51.7		%		56.5		%
		Acquisition cost ratio	15.2		%		22.5		%		19		%
		General and administrative expense ratio	18.7		%		7.1		%		16.1		%
		Combined ratio	95.7		%		81.3		%		91.6		%

		Goodwill and intangible assets	$	88,960			$	—			$	88,960





		At and year ended December 31, 2013	Insurance				Reinsurance				Total

		Gross premiums written	$	2,559,138			$	2,137,903			$	4,697,041

		Net premiums written	1,813,538				2,114,662				3,928,200

		Net premiums earned	1,722,762				1,984,303				3,707,065

		Other insurance related income	2,436				1,988				4,424

		Net losses and loss expenses	(1,050,402		)		(1,083,793		)		(2,134,195		)
		Acquisition costs	(242,363		)		(421,828		)		(664,191		)
		General and administrative expenses	(347,684		)		(137,450		)		(485,134		)
		Underwriting income	$	84,749			$	343,220			427,969


	Corporate expenses									(90,256		)
	Net investment income									409,312

	Net realized investment gains									75,564

	Foreign exchange losses									(26,143		)
	Interest expense and financing costs									(61,979		)
	Income before income taxes									$	734,467


	Net loss and loss expense ratio	61		%		54.6		%		57.6		%
	Acquisition cost ratio	14.1		%		21.3		%		17.9		%
	General and administrative expense ratio	20.1		%		6.9		%		15.5		%
	Combined ratio	95.2		%		82.8		%		91		%

	Goodwill and intangible assets	$	89,528			$	—			$	89,528





	At and year ended December 31, 2012	Insurance				Reinsurance				Total

	Gross premiums written	$	2,309,481			$	1,830,162			$	4,139,643

	Net premiums written	1,522,245				1,815,211				3,337,456

	Net premiums earned	1,558,058				1,857,405				3,415,463

	Other insurance related income	2,676				—				2,676

	Net losses and loss expenses	(953,564		)		(1,142,464		)		(2,096,028		)
	Acquisition costs	(226,859		)		(400,794		)		(627,653		)
	General and administrative expenses	(314,834		)		(116,487		)		(431,321		)
	Underwriting income	$	65,477			$	197,660			263,137


	Corporate expenses									(129,660		)
	Net investment income									380,957

	Net realized investment gains									127,469

	Foreign exchange losses									(29,512		)
	Interest expense and financing costs									(61,863		)
	Income before income taxes									$	550,528


	Net loss and loss expense ratio	61.2		%		61.5		%		61.4		%
	Acquisition cost ratio	14.6		%		21.6		%		18.4		%
	General and administrative expense ratio	20.2		%		6.3		%		16.4		%
	Combined ratio	96		%		89.4		%		96.2		%

	Goodwill and intangible assets	$	97,493			$	—			$	97,493



The following table presents our gross premiums written by the geographical location of our subsidiaries:



	Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

	Bermuda	$	618,273			$	718,904			$	684,588

	Europe	1,784,139				1,699,748				1,561,701

	United States	2,309,107				2,278,389				1,893,354

	Total gross premium written	$	4,711,519			$	4,697,041			$	4,139,643


The following table presents our net premiums earned by segment and line of business:



	Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

	Insurance
	Property	$	444,197			$	462,364			$	408,943

	Marine	178,229				179,057				171,165

	Terrorism	35,876				39,298				38,605

	Aviation	41,192				48,489				60,363

	Credit and Political Risk	63,095				68,192				87,103

	Professional Lines	629,365				586,200				563,500

	Liability	146,819				110,623				86,873

	Accident and Health	291,771				228,539				141,506

	Total Insurance	1,830,544				1,722,762				1,558,058


	Reinsurance
	Catastrophe	325,307				380,199				375,088

	Property	312,443				350,970				351,470

	Professional Lines	336,058				304,754				297,726

	Credit and Surety	263,013				279,943				277,185

	Motor	268,678				221,844				237,006

	Liability	289,223				234,736				220,874

	Agriculture	164,628				126,490				17,116

	Engineering	61,143				66,243				68,402

	Other	19,962				19,124				12,538

	Total Reinsurance	2,040,455				1,984,303				1,857,405


	Total	$	3,870,999			$	3,707,065			$	3,415,463

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Text Block]	The following table shows an analysis of goodwill and intangible assets:



			Goodwill			Intangible		Intangible			Total
						assets with an		assets with a
						indefinite life		finite life

		Net balance at December 31, 2012	$	49,635		$	26,036	$	21,822		$	97,493

		Amortization	n/a			n/a		(2,233		)	(2,233		)

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,213		)	—		(2,519		)	(5,732		)

		Net balance at December 31, 2013	46,422			26,036		17,070			89,528

		Amortization	n/a			n/a		(1,982		)	(1,982		)

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	726			—		688			1,414

		Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	47,148		$	26,036	$	15,776		$	88,960


		Gross balance at December 31, 2014	$	42,237		$	26,036	$	35,596		$	103,869

		Accumulated amortization	n/a			n/a		(25,583		)	(25,583		)

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	4,911			—		5,763			10,674

		Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	47,148		$	26,036	$	15,776		$	88,960


	n/a – not applicable
	We estimate that the annual amortization expense for our total intangible assets with a finite life will be approximately $2 million in 2015 and 2016 and $1 million in 2017 through to 2019. The estimated remaining useful lives of these assets range from five to twenty-four years.
	Intangible assets with an indefinite life consist primarily of U.S. state licenses that provide a legal right to transact business indefinitely. Our impairment reviews for goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles did not result in the recognition of impairment losses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS [Text Block]
	a)	Fixed Maturities and Equities
	The amortized cost or cost and fair values of our fixed maturities and equities were as follows:



			Amortized			Gross				Gross				Fair			Non-credit
			Cost or			Unrealized				Unrealized				Value			OTTI
			Cost			Gains				Losses							in AOCI(5)

		At December 31, 2014
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	1,645,068		$	3,337			$	(28,328	)		$	1,620,077		$	—

		Non-U.S. government	1,080,601			7,383				(54,441		)		1,033,543			—

		Corporate debt	4,386,432			40,972				(66,280		)		4,361,124			—

		Agency RMBS(1)	2,241,581			40,762				(4,235		)		2,278,108			—

		CMBS(2)	1,085,618			13,289				(2,019		)		1,096,888			—

		Non-Agency RMBS	71,236			2,765				(915		)		73,086			(889		)

		ABS(3)	1,475,026			2,748				(16,188		)		1,461,586			—

		Municipals(4)	200,411			5,282				(832		)		204,861			—

		Total fixed maturities	$	12,185,973		$	116,538			$	(173,238	)		$	12,129,273		$	(889	)

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	—			—				—				—

		Exchange-traded funds	416,063			43,583				(4,756		)		454,890

		Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	115,585			—				(2,768		)		112,817

		Total equity securities	$	531,648		$	43,583			$	(7,524	)		$	567,707


		At December 31, 2013
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	1,421,245		$	1,405			$	(33,952	)		$	1,388,698		$	—

		Non-U.S. government	1,208,384			17,990				(49,992		)		1,176,382			—

		Corporate debt	3,533,585			84,881				(10,228		)		3,608,238			—

		Agency RMBS(1)	2,485,139			21,979				(58,291		)		2,448,827			—

		CMBS(2)	790,095			11,285				(3,966		)		797,414			—

		Non-Agency RMBS	65,590			2,375				(398		)		67,567			(868		)

		ABS(3)	955,274			6,871				(8,694		)		953,451			—

		Municipals(4)	1,527,834			32,432				(14,516		)		1,545,750			—

		Total fixed maturities	$	11,987,146		$	179,218			$	(180,037	)		$	11,986,327		$	(868	)

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	345,759			98,742				(6,183		)		438,318

		Exchange-traded funds	106,762			32,085				—				138,847

	Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	113,698			11,124				—				124,822

	Total equity securities	$	566,219		$	141,951			$	(6,183	)		$	701,987



-1	Residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) originated by U.S. agencies.

-2	Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

-3	Asset-backed securities (ABS) include debt tranched securities collateralized primarily by auto loans, student loans, credit cards, and other asset types. This asset class also includes collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs).

-4	Municipals include bonds issued by states, municipalities and political subdivisions.

-5	Represents the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.

In the normal course of investing activities, we actively manage allocations to non-controlling tranches of structured securities (variable interests) issued by VIEs. These structured securities include RMBS, CMBS and ABS and are included in the above table. Additionally, within our other investments portfolio, we also invest in limited partnerships (hedge funds) and CLO equity tranched securities, which are all variable interests issued by VIEs (see Note 5(b)). For these variable interests, we do not have the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the economic performance of the VIEs and accordingly we are not the primary beneficiary for any of these VIEs. Our maximum exposure to loss on these interests is limited to the amount of our investment. We have not provided financial or other support with respect to these structured securities other than our original investment.
Contractual Maturities
The contractual maturities of fixed maturities are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.



		Amortized			Fair				% of Total
		Cost			Value				Fair Value

	At December 31, 2014
	Maturity
	Due in one year or less	$	424,077		$	423,265			3.5	%

	Due after one year through five years	4,925,780			4,892,411				40.3	%

	Due after five years through ten years	1,755,248			1,695,641				14	%

	Due after ten years	207,407			208,288				1.7	%

		7,312,512			7,219,605				59.5	%

	Agency RMBS	2,241,581			2,278,108				18.8	%

	CMBS	1,085,618			1,096,888				9	%

	Non-Agency RMBS	71,236			73,086				0.6	%

	ABS	1,475,026			1,461,586				12.1	%

	Total	$	12,185,973		$	12,129,273			100	%


	At December 31, 2013
	Maturity
	Due in one year or less	$	710,079		$	717,052			5.9	%

	Due after one year through five years	5,030,728			5,116,060				42.7	%

	Due after five years through ten years	1,852,877			1,791,835				14.9	%

	Due after ten years	97,364			94,121				0.8	%

		7,691,048			7,719,068				64.3	%

	Agency RMBS	2,485,139			2,448,827				20.4	%

	CMBS	790,095			797,414				6.7	%

	Non-Agency RMBS	65,590			67,567				0.6	%

	ABS	955,274			953,451				8	%

	Total	$	11,987,146		$	11,986,327			100	%



Gross Unrealized Losses
The following table summarizes fixed maturities and equities in an unrealized loss position and the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position:



		12 months or greater							Less than 12 months							Total
		Fair			Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized			Fair				Unrealized
		Value			Losses				Value				Losses			Value				Losses

	At December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and agency	$	388,551		$	(24,319	)		$	786,850			$	(4,009	)	$	1,175,401			$	(28,328	)

	Non-U.S. government	143,602			(29,171		)		435,670				(25,270		)	579,272				(54,441		)

	Corporate debt	26,708			(2,221		)		2,199,672				(64,059		)	2,226,380				(66,280		)

	Agency RMBS	259,914			(3,084		)		333,288				(1,151		)	593,202				(4,235		)

	CMBS	68,624			(925		)		256,225				(1,094		)	324,849				(2,019		)

	Non-Agency RMBS	6,689			(613		)		13,442				(302		)	20,131				(915		)

	ABS	425,663			(10,325		)		750,679				(5,863		)	1,176,342				(16,188		)

	Municipals	34,462			(644		)		25,284				(188		)	59,746				(832		)

	Total fixed maturities	$	1,354,213		$	(71,302	)		$	4,801,110			$	(101,936	)	$	6,155,323			$	(173,238	)

	Equity securities
	Common stocks	$	—		$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—			$	—

	Exchange-traded funds	—			—				91,275				(4,756		)	91,275				(4,756		)

	Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—			—				112,817				(2,768		)	112,817				(2,768		)

	Total equity securities	$	—		$	—			$	204,092			$	(7,524	)	$	204,092			$	(7,524	)


	At December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and agency	$	—		$	—			$	982,307			$	(33,952	)	$	982,307			$	(33,952	)

	Non-U.S. government	35,577			(3,430		)		420,622				(46,562		)	456,199				(49,992		)

	Corporate debt	27,696			(802		)		606,592				(9,426		)	634,288				(10,228		)

	Agency RMBS	144,468			(5,247		)		1,478,527				(53,044		)	1,622,995				(58,291		)

	CMBS	13,319			(116		)		298,863				(3,850		)	312,182				(3,966		)

	Non-Agency RMBS	4,287			(315		)		5,319				(83		)	9,606				(398		)

	ABS	37,765			(2,941		)		553,803				(5,753		)	591,568				(8,694		)

	Municipals	8,408			(615		)		543,474				(13,901		)	551,882				(14,516		)

	Total fixed maturities	$	271,520		$	(13,466	)		$	4,889,507			$	(166,571	)	$	5,161,027			$	(180,037	)

	Equity securities
	Common stocks	$	3,499		$	(398	)		$	48,828			$	(5,785	)	$	52,327			$	(6,183	)

	Exchange-traded funds	—			—				—				—			—				—

	Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—			—				—				—			—				—

	Total equity securities	$	3,499		$	(398	)		$	48,828			$	(5,785	)	$	52,327			$	(6,183	)



Fixed Maturities
At December 31, 2014, 1,388 fixed maturities (2013: 1,127) were in an unrealized loss position of $173 million (2013: $180 million) of which $36 million (2013: $2 million) was related to securities below investment grade or not rated.

At December 31, 2014, 223 securities (2013: 99) had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater and had a fair value of $1,354 million (2013: $272 million). Following our credit impairment review, we concluded that these securities as well as the remaining securities in an unrealized loss position in the above table were temporarily depressed at December 31, 2014, and were expected to recover in value as the securities approach maturity. Further, at December 31, 2014, we did not intend to sell these securities in an unrealized loss position and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of their amortized costs.
Equity Securities
At December 31, 2014, 9 securities (2013: 63) were in an unrealized loss position of $8 million (2013: $6 million).
At December 31, 2014, there were no securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater (2013: 9 securities with a fair value of $3 million). Based on our impairment review process and our ability and intent to hold these securities for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a full recovery, we concluded that the above equities in an unrealized loss position were temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014 and 2013.


b)	Other Investments
The following tables provide a breakdown of our investments in hedge funds, direct lending funds and CLO Equities, together with additional information relating to the liquidity of each category:



		Fair Value						Redemption Frequency		Redemption
								(if currently eligible)		Notice Period

	At December 31, 2014
	Long/short equity funds	$	298,907		31	%		Quarterly, Semi-annually		30-60 days

	Multi-strategy funds	324,020			34	%		Quarterly, Semi-annually		60-95 days

	Event-driven funds	185,899			19	%		Quarterly, Annually		45-60 days

	Leveraged bank loan funds	9,713			1	%		Quarterly		65 days

	Direct lending funds	54,438			6	%		n/a		n/a

	CLO - Equities	92,488			9	%		n/a		n/a

	Total other investments	$	965,465		100	%


	At December 31, 2013
	Long/short equity funds	$	425,444		41	%		Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually		30-60 days

	Multi-strategy funds	285,155			27	%		Quarterly, Semi-annually		60-95 days

	Event-driven funds	190,458			18	%		Quarterly, Annually		45-60 days

	Leveraged bank loan funds	48,753			5	%		Quarterly		65 days

	Direct lending funds	22,134			2	%		n/a		n/a

	CLO - Equities	73,866			7	%		n/a		n/a

	Total other investments	$	1,045,810		100	%


n/a – not applicable

The investment strategies for the above funds are as follows:


•	Long/short equity funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns primarily by executing an equity trading strategy involving both long and short investments in publicly-traded equities.

•	Multi-strategy funds: Seek to achieve above-market returns by pursuing multiple investment strategies to diversify risks and reduce volatility. This category includes funds of hedge funds which invest in a large pool of hedge funds across a diversified range of hedge fund strategies.

•	Event-driven funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns by exploiting situations where announced or anticipated events create opportunities.

•	Leveraged bank loan funds: Seek to achieve attractive returns by investing primarily in bank loan collateral that has limited interest rate risk exposure.

•	Direct lending funds: Seek to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns, including current income generation, by investing in funds which provide financing directly to borrowers.
Two common redemption restrictions which may impact our ability to redeem our hedge funds are gates and lockups. A gate is a suspension of redemptions which may be implemented by the general partner or investment manager of the fund in order to defer, in whole or in part, the redemption request in the event the aggregate amount of redemption requests exceeds a predetermined percentage of the fund’s net assets which may otherwise hinder the general partner or investment manager’s ability to liquidate holdings in an orderly fashion in order to generate the cash necessary to fund extraordinarily large redemption payouts. A lockup period is the initial amount of time an investor is contractually required to hold the security before having the ability to redeem. During 2014 and 2013, neither of these restrictions impacted our redemption requests. At December 31, 2014, $87 million (2013: $99 million), representing 11% (2013: 10%) of our total hedge funds, relate to holdings where we are still within the lockup period. The expiry of these lockup periods range from March, 2015 to March, 2016.
At December 31, 2014, $6 million (2013: $11 million) was invested in hedge funds that are not accepting redemption requests. Of this amount, substantially all relates to a leveraged bank loan fund in a period of planned principal distributions. Based on market conditions and payments made to date, management's current expectation is that the distribution process will be completed in 2015.
At December 31, 2014, we have $88 million (2013: $88 million) of unfunded commitments within our other investments portfolio relating to our future investments in direct lending funds. Once the full amount of committed capital has been called by the General Partner of each of these funds, the assets will not be fully returned until the completion of the fund's investment term. These funds have investment terms ranging from 5-10 years and the General Partners of certain funds have the option to extend the term by up to three years.
During 2013, we made a $60 million commitment as a limited partner in a multi-strategy hedge fund. Once the full amount of committed capital has been called by the General Partner, the assets will not be fully returned until the completion of the fund's investment term which ends in December, 2018. The General Partner then has the option to extend the term by up to three years. At December 31, 2014, $35 million of our commitment remains unfunded and the current fair value of the funds called to date are included in the multi-strategy funds line of the table above.


c)	Net Investment Income
Net investment income was derived from the following sources:



	Year ended December 31,	2014			2013				2012

	Fixed maturities	$	296,663		$	293,609			$	304,400

	Other investments	57,621			128,814				87,660

	Equity securities	11,832			10,897				11,904

	Cash and cash equivalents	11,536			6,337				4,528

	Short-term investments	725			1,181				596

	Gross investment income	378,377			440,838				409,088

	Investment expenses	(35,611		)	(31,526		)		(28,131		)
	Net investment income	$	342,766		$	409,312			$	380,957




d)	Net Realized Investment Gains
The following table provides an analysis of net realized investment gains:



	Year ended December 31,	2014			2013				2012

	Gross realized gains
	Fixed maturities and short-term investments(1)	$	126,023		$	120,932			$	242,082

	Equities	149,783			54,564				36,411

	Gross realized gains	275,806			175,496				278,493

	Gross realized losses
	Fixed maturities and short-term investments	(86,943		)	(87,894		)		(101,844		)
	Equities	(15,925		)	(10,407		)		(23,530		)
	Gross realized losses	(102,868		)	(98,301		)		(125,374		)
	Net OTTI recognized in earnings	(31,227		)	(9,362		)		(24,234		)
	Change in fair value of investment derivatives(2)	(9,603		)	7,731				(9,170		)

	Fair value hedges(2)	—			—				7,754

	Net realized investment gains	$	132,108		$	75,564			$	127,469



-1	Includes $37 million of gains in 2012 relating to previously unrealized foreign exchange currency amounts on the hedged fixed maturity portfolios. The hedged portfolio was sold and all associated foreign exchange contracts were fully settled during 2012 so there is no impact on the 2013 or 2014 figures.

-2	Refer to Note 7 – Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the OTTI recognized in earnings by asset class:



	Year ended December 31,	2014			2013				2012

	Fixed maturities:
	Non-U.S. government	$	17,291		$	120			$	3,281

	Corporate debt	8,107			5,802				1,821

	Non-Agency RMBS	7			57				2,016

	ABS	61			129				795

	Municipals	418			639				—

		25,884			6,747				7,913

	Equity Securities
	Common stocks	741			2,092				7,318

	Exchange-traded funds	4,602			523				9,003

		5,343			2,615				16,321

	Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$	31,227		$	9,362			$	24,234



Fixed Maturities
The following table provides a roll forward of the credit losses (“credit loss table”), before income taxes, for which a portion of the OTTI was recognized in AOCI:



	Year ended December 31,	2014			2013

	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,594		$	1,809

	Credit impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired	—			—

	Additional credit impairments recognized on securities previously impaired	—			—

	Change in timing of future cash flows on securities previously impaired	—			—

	Intent to sell of securities previously impaired	—			—

	Securities sold/redeemed/matured	(63		)	(215		)
	Balance at end of period	$	1,531		$	1,594


Credit losses are calculated based on the difference between the amortized cost of the security and the net present value of its projected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate implicit in the debt security prior to the impairment. The following provides a summary of the credit loss activities by asset class for the above table as well as the significant inputs and the methodology used to estimate these credit losses.
U.S. Government, U.S. Agency and U.S. Agency RMBS:
Unrealized losses on securities issued or backed (either explicitly or implicitly) by the U.S. government are generally not analyzed for OTTI. We have concluded that the possibility of any credit losses on these securities is highly unlikely due to the explicit U.S. government guarantee on certain securities (e.g. GNMA issuances) and, on others, the implicit guarantee that has been validated by past actions (e.g. U.S. government bailout of FNMA and FHLMC during the 2008 credit crisis). Although not generally analyzed for credit losses, the securities are still evaluated for intention to sell at a loss.

Non-U.S. Government:
Non-U.S. government obligations are evaluated for credit loss primarily through qualitative assessments of the likelihood of credit loss using information such as duration and severity of unrealized losses, as well as credit ratings and price volatility. At December 31, 2014, our holdings in sovereign debt, including $119 million (2013: $161 million) relating to the eurozone countries, were substantially all investment-grade securities. The gross unrealized losses of $54 million at December 31, 2014 were mainly due to pricing and foreign exchange losses on emerging market debt. Based on our analysis, we do not anticipate any credit losses on our non-U.S. government fixed maturities at December 31, 2014. In 2014, the OTTI charges on Non-U.S. government fixed maturities mainly related to unrealized foreign exchange losses on certain securities where forecasted recovery was uncertain.
Corporate Debt:
To estimate credit losses for corporate debt securities, our projected cash flows are primarily driven by our assumptions regarding the probability of default and the severity associated with those defaults. Our default and loss severity rates are based on credit rating, credit analysis, industry analyst reports and forecasts, Moody’s historical default data and any other data relevant to the recoverability of the security. In 2014, the OTTI charges on corporate debt securities were mainly related to our intent to sell, as well as unrealized foreign exchange losses on certain securities where forecasted recovery was uncertain.

CMBS:
Our investments in CMBS are diversified and highly rated, with a weighted average estimated subordination percentage of 30% at December 31, 2014 (2013: 30%). Based on discounted cash flows at December 31, 2014, the current level of subordination is sufficient to cover the estimated loan losses on the underlying collateral of the CMBS.
Non-agency RMBS:
For non-agency RMBS, our projected cash flows incorporated underlying data from widely accepted third-party data sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the security. These assumptions included the following: default, delinquency, loss severity and prepayment rates. The assumptions used to calculate the credit losses in 2014 have not changed significantly since December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of our non-agency RMBS was $73 million (2013: $68 million), consisting primarily of $49 million (2013: $41 million) of Prime and $17 million (2013: $19 million) of Alt-A MBS. We have concluded there are no credit losses anticipated for any of our non-agency RMBS at December 31, 2014, other than those already recorded.
ABS:

Our investments in ABS at December 31, 2014 consist mainly of CLO debt tranched securities (“CLO Debt”) purchased primarily as new issues during 2012-2014. Of these new issues all had credit ratings of AA- or better. We utilize a scenario-based approach to reviewing our CLO Debt portfolio based on the current asset market price. We also review subordination levels of our securities to determine their ability to absorb credit losses of underlying collateral. If losses are forecast to be below the subordination level for the tranche held by us, the security is determined not to be impaired. We have concluded there are no credit losses anticipated for any of our CLO Debt at December 31, 2014.
Equity Securities
The OTTI losses on common stocks in 2014 and 2013 are primarily due to the severity and duration of their unrealized loss positions, for which we concluded the forecast recovery period was uncertain. The recognition of such losses does not necessarily indicate that sales will occur or that sales are imminent or planned. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of our equities was $568 million (2013: $702 million), which included $8 million (2013: $6 million) of gross unrealized losses.


e)	Restricted Investments
In order to support our obligations in regulatory jurisdictions where we operate as a non-admitted carrier, we provide collateral in the form of assets held in trust and, to a lesser extent, letters of credit. Refer to Note 10(b) for further information on our collateral requirements upon issuance of certain letters of credit. The fair value of our restricted investments primarily relates to these items, as noted in the table below. Our restricted investments primarily consist of high-quality fixed maturity and short-term investment securities.



	At December 31,		2014			2013

	Collateral in Trust for inter-company agreements		$	2,792,461		$	2,261,081

	Collateral for secured letter of credit facility		468,923			777,828

	Collateral in Trust for third party agreements (1)		567,060			276,839

	Securities on deposit with regulatory authorities		58,476			58,327

	Total restricted investments		$	3,886,920		$	3,374,075



-1	Includes $245 million of fixed income securities deposited directly with Lloyd's to support the underwriting capacity of the Company's Lloyd's Syndicate, AXIS Syndicate 1686.


f)	Reverse Repurchase Agreements

At December 31, 2014, we held $110 million (2013: $34 million) of reverse repurchase agreements. These loans are fully collateralized, are generally outstanding for a short period of time and are presented on a gross basis as part of cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheet. The required collateral for these loans is either cash or U.S. Treasuries at a minimum rate of 102% of the loan principal. Upon maturity, we receive principal and interest income.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Text Block]	Fair Value Hierarchy

	Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability (i.e. the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants. We use a fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels as follows:


	•	Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.


	•	Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.


	•	Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs reflect our own judgments about assumptions that market participants might use.

	The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment.

	Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This may lead us to change the selection of our valuation technique (from market to cash flow approach) or may cause us to use multiple valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of a financial instrument. This circumstance could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels within the fair value hierarchy.

	We used the following valuation techniques and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments as well as the general classification of such financial instruments pursuant to the above fair value hierarchy.

	Fixed Maturities

	At each valuation date, we use the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value of our fixed maturities portfolio, when possible. This market approach includes, but is not limited to, prices obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable securities and the use of “pricing matrix models” using observable market inputs such as yield curves, credit risks and spreads, measures of volatility, and prepayment speeds. Pricing from third party pricing services is sourced from multiple vendors, when available, and we maintain a vendor hierarchy by asset type based on historical pricing experience and vendor expertise. When prices are unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers who are active in the corresponding markets.

	The following describes the significant inputs generally used to determine the fair value of our fixed maturities by asset class.

	U.S. government and agency

	U.S. government and agency securities consist primarily of bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and mortgage pass-through agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association. As the fair values of our U.S. Treasury securities are based on unadjusted market prices in active markets, they are classified within Level 1. The fair values of U.S. government agency securities are priced using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. As the yields for the risk-free yield curve and the spreads for these securities are observable market inputs, the fair values of U.S. government agency securities are classified within Level 2.

	Non-U.S. government

	Non-U.S. government securities comprise bonds issued by non-U.S. governments and their agencies along with supranational organizations (collectively also known as sovereign debt securities). The fair value of these securities is based on prices obtained from international indices or a valuation model that includes the following inputs: interest rate yield curves, cross-currency basis index spreads, and country credit spreads for structures similar to the sovereign bond in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. As the significant inputs are observable market inputs, the fair value of non-U.S. government securities are classified within Level 2.

	Corporate debt

	Corporate debt securities consist primarily of investment-grade debt of a wide variety of corporate issuers and industries. The fair values of these securities are generally determined using the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As these spreads and the yields for the risk-free yield curve are observable market inputs, the fair values of our corporate debt securities are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. In this event, securities are classified within Level 3.

	MBS

	Our portfolio of RMBS and CMBS are originated by both agencies and non-agencies. The fair values of these securities are determined through the use of a pricing model (including Option Adjusted Spread) which uses prepayment speeds and spreads to determine the appropriate average life of the MBS. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As the significant inputs used to price MBS are observable market inputs, the fair values of the MBS are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers to estimate fair value. This is generally the case when there is a low volume of trading activity and current transactions are not orderly. These securities are classified within Level 3.

	ABS

	ABS include mostly investment-grade bonds backed by pools of loans with a variety of underlying collateral, including automobile loan receivables, student loans, credit card receivables, and CLO Debt originated by a variety of financial institutions. Similarly to MBS, the fair values of ABS are priced through the use of a model which uses prepayment speeds and spreads sourced primarily from the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price ABS are observable market inputs, the fair values of ABS are classified within Level 2. Where pricing is unavailable from pricing services, we obtain non-binding quotes from broker-dealers.

	Municipals

	Our municipal portfolio comprises revenue and general obligation bonds issued by U.S. domiciled state and municipal entities. The fair value of these securities is determined using spreads obtained from broker-dealers, trade prices and the new issue market. As the significant inputs used to price the municipals are observable market inputs, municipals are classified within Level 2.

	Equity Securities

	Equity securities include U.S. and non-U.S. common stocks, exchange-traded funds, and non-U.S. bond mutual funds. For common stocks and exchange-traded funds, we classified these within Level 1 as their fair values are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets. Our investments in non-U.S. bond mutual funds have daily liquidity, with redemption based on the net asset value (''NAV'') of the funds. Accordingly, we have classified these investments as Level 2.

	Other Investments

	As a practical expedient, we estimate fair values for hedge funds, direct lending funds and the CLO fund using NAVs as advised by external fund managers or third party administrators. For each of these funds, the NAV is based on the manager's or administrator's valuation of the underlying holdings in accordance with the fund's governing documents and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For any funds for which we have not yet received a NAV concurrent with our period end date, we record an estimate of the change in fair value for the period subsequent to the most recent NAV. Such estimates are based on return estimates for the period between the most recently issued NAV and the period end date; these estimates are obtained from the relevant fund managers. Accordingly, we do not typically have a reporting lag in our fair value measurements for these funds. Historically, our valuation estimates incorporating these return estimates have not significantly diverged from the subsequent NAVs.

	Within the hedge fund, direct lending fund and CLO fund industries, there is a general lack of transparency necessary to facilitate a detailed independent assessment of the values placed on the securities underlying the NAV provided by the fund manager or fund administrator. To address this, on a quarterly basis, we perform a number of monitoring procedures designed to assist us in the assessment of the quality of the information provided by managers and administrators. These procedures include, but are not limited to, regular review and discussion of each fund's performance with its manager, regular evaluation of fund performance against applicable benchmarks and the backtesting of our fair value estimates against subsequently received NAVs. Backtesting involves comparing our previously reported values for each individual fund against NAVs per audited financial statements (for year-end values) and final NAVs from fund managers and fund administrators (for interim values).

	For our hedge fund investments with liquidity terms allowing us to fully redeem our holdings at the applicable NAV in the near term, we have classified these investments as Level 2. Certain investments in hedge funds, all of our direct lending funds and our CLO fund have redemption restrictions (see Note 5(b) for further details) that prevent us from redeeming in the near term and therefore we have classified these investments as Level 3.

	At December 31, 2014, our direct investments in CLO - Equities were classified within Level 3 as we estimated the fair value for these securities using an income approach valuation technique (discounted cash flow model) due to the lack of observable and relevant trades in the secondary markets.

	Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments primarily comprise highly liquid securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These securities are classified within Level 2 because these securities are typically not actively traded due to their approaching maturity and, as such, their amortized cost approximates fair value.

Derivative Instruments

Our foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps are customized to our economic hedging strategies and trade in the over-the-counter derivative market. We use the market approach valuation technique to estimate the fair value for these derivatives based on significant observable market inputs from third party pricing vendors, non-binding broker-dealer quotes and/or recent trading activity. Accordingly, we classified these derivatives within Level 2.

We also participate in non-exchange traded derivative-based risk management products addressing weather risks. We use observable market inputs and unobservable inputs in combination with industry or internally-developed valuation and forecasting techniques to determine fair value. We classify these instruments within Level 3.

Cash Settled Awards

Cash settled awards comprise restricted stock units that form part of our compensation program. Although the fair value of these awards is determined using observable quoted market prices in active markets, the stock units themselves are not actively traded. Accordingly, we have classified these liabilities within Level 2.

The table below presents the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


		Quoted Prices in				Significant			Significant			Total Fair
		Active Markets for				Other Observable			Unobservable			Value
		Identical Assets				Inputs			Inputs
		(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)

	At December 31, 2014
	Assets
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and agency	$	1,497,922			$	122,155		$	—		$	1,620,077

	Non-U.S. government	—				1,033,543			—			1,033,543

	Corporate debt	—				4,345,287			15,837			4,361,124

	Agency RMBS	—				2,278,108			—			2,278,108

	CMBS	—				1,079,125			17,763			1,096,888

	Non-Agency RMBS	—				73,086			—			73,086

	ABS	—				1,421,555			40,031			1,461,586

	Municipals	—				204,861			—			204,861

		1,497,922				10,557,720			73,631			12,129,273

	Equity securities
	Common stocks	—				—			—			—

	Exchange-traded funds	454,890				—			—			454,890

	Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—				112,817			—			112,817

		454,890				112,817			—			567,707

	Other investments
	Hedge funds	—				347,621			470,918			818,539

	Direct lending funds	—				—			54,438			54,438

	CLO-Equities	—				—			92,488			92,488

		—				347,621			617,844			965,465

	Short-term investments	—				107,534			—			107,534

	Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	—				7,153			111			7,264

	Total Assets	$	1,952,812			$	11,132,845		$	691,586		$	13,777,243

	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	$	—			$	3,041		$	15,288		$	18,329

	Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	—				20,518			—			20,518

	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	23,559		$	15,288		$	38,847


	At December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Fixed maturities
	U.S. government and agency	$	1,119,632			$	269,066		$	—		$	1,388,698

	Non-U.S. government	—				1,176,382			—			1,176,382

	Corporate debt	—				3,608,238			—			3,608,238

	Agency RMBS	—				2,448,827			—			2,448,827

	CMBS	—				793,396			4,018			797,414

	Non-Agency RMBS	—				67,567			—			67,567

	ABS	—				922,652			30,799			953,451

	Municipals	—				1,545,750			—			1,545,750

		1,119,632				10,831,878			34,817			11,986,327

	Equity securities
	Common stocks	438,318				—			—			438,318

	Exchange-traded funds	138,847				—			—			138,847

	Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—				124,822			—			124,822

		577,165				124,822			—			701,987

	Other investments
	Hedge funds	—				488,755			461,055			949,810

	Direct lending funds	—				—			22,134			22,134

	CLO-Equities	—				—			73,866			73,866

		—				488,755			557,055			1,045,810

	Short-term investments	—				46,212			—			46,212

	Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	—				6,824			984			7,808

	Total Assets	$	1,696,797			$	11,498,491		$	592,856		$	13,788,144

	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	$	—			$	1,152		$	815		$	1,967

	Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	—				8,693			—			8,693

	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	9,845		$	815		$	10,660



During 2014 and 2013, we had no transfers between Levels 1 and 2.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Except for hedge funds, direct lending funds and our CLO fund priced using NAV as a practical expedient and certain fixed maturities priced using broker-dealer quotes (underlying inputs are not available), the following table quantifies the significant unobservable inputs we have used in estimating fair value at December 31, 2014 for our investments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. These significant unobservable inputs have not changed significantly from December 31, 2013.



		Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range	Weighted
								Average

	Other investments - CLO Equities	$	37,046		Discounted cash flow	Default rates	4.0% - 5.0%	4.30%

						Loss severity rate	53.50%	53.50%
						Collateral spreads	3.0% - 3.5%	3.30%
						Estimated maturity dates	3.1 - 4.2 years	3.8 years

	Derivatives - Weather derivatives, net	$	(15,177	)	Simulation model	Weather curve	32 - 3,370(1)	n/a (2)
						Weather standard deviation	3 - 250(1)	n/a (2)

(1) Measured in Heating Degree Days ("HDD") which is the number of degrees the daily temperature is below a reference temperature. The cumulative HDD for the duration of the derivatives contract is compared to the strike value to determine the necessary settlement.

-2	Due to the diversity of the portfolio, the range of unobservable inputs is widespread; therefore, presentation of a weighted average is not useful. Weather parameters may include various temperature and/or precipitation measures that will naturally vary by geographic location of each counterparty's operations.

The CLO - Equities market continues to be mostly inactive with only a small number of transactions being observed in the market and fewer still involving transactions in our CLO - Equities. Accordingly, we continue to rely on the use of our internal discounted cash flow model (income approach) to estimate fair value of our direct investments in CLO - Equities. Of the significant inputs into this model, the default and loss severity rates are the most judgmental unobservable market inputs to which the valuation of CLO - Equities is most sensitive. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in lower (higher) fair value estimates for direct investments in our CLO - Equities and, in general, a change in default rate assumptions will be accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity rate assumptions. Collateral spreads and estimated maturity dates are less judgmental inputs as they are based on the historical average of actual spreads and the weighted average life of the current underlying portfolios, respectively. A significant increase (decrease) in either of these significant inputs in isolation would result in higher (lower) fair value estimates for direct investments in our CLO - Equities. In general, these inputs have no significant interrelationship with each other or with default and loss severity rates.

On a quarterly basis, our valuation process for CLO - Equities includes a review of the underlying cash flows and key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model. We review and update the above significant unobservable inputs based on information obtained from secondary markets, including from the managers of the CLOs we hold. These inputs are the responsibility of management and, in order to ensure fair value measurement is applied consistently and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we update our assumptions through regular communication with industry participants and ongoing monitoring of the deals in which we participate (e.g. default and loss severity rate trends), we maintain a current understanding of the market conditions, historical results, as well as emerging trends that may impact future cash flows. By maintaining this current understanding, we are able to assess the reasonableness of the inputs we ultimately use in our model.

Weather derivatives relate to non-exchange traded risk management products addressing weather risks. We use observable market inputs and unobservable inputs in combination with industry or internally-developed simulation models to determine fair value; these models may reference market price information for similar instruments. The pricing models are internally reviewed by Risk Management personnel prior to implementation and are reviewed periodically thereafter.

Observable and unobservable inputs to these models vary by contract type and would typically include the following:


•	Observable inputs: market prices for similar instruments, notional, option strike, term to expiry, contractual limits;

•	Unobservable inputs: correlation; and

•	Both observable and unobservable inputs: weather curves, weather standard deviation.

In general, weather curves are the most significant contributing input to fair value determination; changes in this variable can result in higher or lower fair value depending on the underlying position. In addition, changes in any or all of the unobservable inputs identified above may contribute positively or negatively to overall portfolio value. The correlation input will quantify the interrelationship, if any, amongst the other variables.

The following tables present changes in Level 3 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated:


		Opening				Transfers			Transfers			Included in			Included			Purchases			Sales		Settlements/			Closing		Change in
		Balance				into			out of			earnings (1)			in OCI (2)								Distributions			Balance		unrealized
						Level 3			Level 3																			investment
																												gain/loss (3)

	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Fixed maturities
	Corporate debt	$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(95	)	$	15,957		$	—	$	(25	)	$	15,837	$	—

	Non-Agency RMBS	—				—			—			—			—			—			—		—			—		—

	CMBS	4,018				9,447			—			—			1,381			5,027			—		(2,110		)	17,763		—

	ABS	30,799				1,125			(6,165		)	—			2,350			39,800			—		(27,878		)	40,031		—

		34,817				10,572			(6,165		)	—			3,636			60,784			—		(30,013		)	73,631		—

	Other investments
	Hedge funds	461,055				12,355			(32,255		)	24,790			—			19,500			—		(14,527		)	470,918		24,651

	Direct lending funds	22,134				—			—			3,515			—			30,101			—		(1,312		)	54,438		3,515

	CLO-Equities	73,866				—			—			20,173			—			25,941			—		(27,492		)	92,488		20,173

		557,055				12,355			(32,255		)	48,478			—			75,542			—		(43,331		)	617,844		48,339

	Other assets
	Derivative instruments	984				—			—			5,112			—			—			—		(5,985		)	111		101

		984				—			—			5,112			—			—			—		(5,985		)	111		101

	Total assets	$	592,856			$	22,927		$	(38,420	)	$	53,590		$	3,636		$	136,326		$	—	$	(79,329	)	$	691,586	$	48,440



	Other liabilities
	Derivative instruments	815				—			—			10,604			—			12,715			—		(8,846		)	15,288		6,621

	Total liabilities	$	815			$	—		$	—		$	10,604		$	—		$	12,715		$	—	$	(8,846	)	$	15,288	$	6,621


	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturities
	Corporate debt	$	1,550			$	—		$	—		$	1,550		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	(3,100	)	$	—	$	—

	Non-Agency RMBS	1,110				—			(1,222		)	—			135			—			—		(23		)	—		—

	CMBS	4,296				—			—			—			(278		)	—			—		—			4,018		—

	ABS	63,975				—			—			(111		)	1,794			—			—		(34,859		)	30,799		—

		70,931				—			(1,222		)	1,439			1,651			—			—		(37,982		)	34,817		—

	Other investments
	Hedge funds	359,996				—			—			58,293			—			86,138			—		(43,372		)	461,055		58,293

	Direct lending funds	—				—			—			(125		)	—			22,317			—		(58		)	22,134		(125		)

	CLO-Equities	62,435				—			—			27,898			—			34,016			—		(50,483		)	73,866		27,898

		422,431				—			—			86,066			—			142,471			—		(93,913		)	557,055		86,066

	Other assets
	Derivative instruments	—				—			—			2,084			—			(1,100		)	—		—			984		2,084

		—				—			—			2,084			—			(1,100		)	—		—			984		2,084

	Total assets	$	493,362			$	—		$	(1,222	)	$	89,589		$	1,651		$	141,371		$	—	$	(131,895	)	$	592,856	$	88,150


	Other liabilities
	Derivative instruments	—				—			—			98			—			717			—		—			815		98

	Total liabilities	$	—			$	—		$	—		$	98		$	—		$	717		$	—	$	—		$	815	$	98



-1	Gains and losses included in earnings on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment gains (losses). Gains and (losses) included in earnings on other investments are included in net investment income. Gains (losses) on weather derivatives included in earnings are included in other insurance-related income.

-2	Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) on fixed maturities are included in unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period.

-3	Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date.

The transfers into and out of fair value hierarchy levels reflect the fair value of the securities at the end of the reporting period.

Transfers into Level 3 from Level 2

The transfers to Level 3 from Level 2 made during 2014 were due to redemption provisions in hedge fund holdings and the lack of observable market inputs and multiple quotes from pricing vendors and broker-dealers for certain fixed maturities. There were no transfers from level 2 into level 3 during 2013.

Transfers out of Level 3 into Level 2

The transfers to Level 2 from Level 3 made during 2014 were primarily due to the availability of observable market inputs and multiple quotes from pricing vendors and broker-dealers on CLO Debt securities and also due to certain hedge funds
where we have the ability to liquidate holdings at the reported NAV in the near term due to the expiry of lockup provisions. The transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 made during 2013 were primarily due to the availability of observable market inputs and multiple quotes from pricing vendors and broker-dealers.

Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value

U.S. GAAP guidance over disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments are also applicable to financial instruments not carried at fair value, except for certain financial instruments, including insurance contracts.

The carrying values of cash equivalents (including restricted amounts), accrued investment income, receivable for investments sold, certain other assets, payable for investments purchased and certain other liabilities approximated their fair values at December 31, 2014, due to their respective short maturities. As these financial instruments are not actively traded, their respective fair values are classified within Level 2.

At December 31, 2014, our senior notes are recorded at amortized cost with a carrying value of $991 million (2013: $996 million) and have a fair value of $1,089 million (2013: $1,073 million). The fair values of these securities were obtained from a third party pricing service and pricing was based on the spread above the risk-free yield curve. These spreads are generally obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading and broker-dealer quotes. As these spreads and the yields for the risk-free yield curve are observable market inputs, the fair values of our senior notes are classified within Level 2.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Text Block]	The following table summarizes the balance sheet classification of derivatives recorded at fair value. The notional amount of derivative contracts represents the basis upon which pay or receive amounts are calculated and is presented in the table to quantify the volume of our derivative activities. Notional amounts are not reflective of credit risk.



			At December 31, 2014												At December 31, 2013
			Derivative				Asset				Liability				Derivative				Asset		Liability
			Notional				Derivative				Derivative				Notional				Derivative		Derivative
			Amount				Fair				Fair				Amount				Fair		Fair
							Value(1)				Value(1)								Value(1)		Value(1)

		Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
		Relating to investment portfolio:
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	161,678			$	3,925			$	12			$	254,023			$	1,214	$	1,032

		Interest rate swaps	140,000				—				248				281,250				873		—


		Relating to underwriting portfolio:
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	577,836				3,228				2,781				390,663				4,737		120

		Weather-related contracts	58,124				111				15,288				24,451				984		815

		Total derivatives					$	7,264			$	18,329							$	7,808	$	1,967



	-1	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

	Our derivative instruments are generally traded under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master netting agreements, which establish terms that apply to all transactions. In the event of a bankruptcy or other stipulated event, master netting agreements provide that individual positions be replaced with a new amount, usually referred to as the termination amount, determined by taking into account market prices and converting into a single currency. Effectively, this contractual close-out netting reduces credit exposure from gross to net exposure. The table below presents a reconciliation of our gross derivative assets and liabilities to the net amounts presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, with the difference being attributable to the impact of master netting agreements.


			December 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
			Gross Amounts			Gross Amounts Offset			Net				Gross Amounts			Gross Amounts Offset			Net
									Amounts(1)										Amounts(1)

		Derivative assets	$	15,125		$	(7,861	)	$	7,264			$	9,796		$	(1,988	)	$	7,808

		Derivative liabilities	$	26,190		$	(7,861	)	$	18,329			$	3,955		$	(1,988	)	$	1,967



	-1	Net asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	Refer to Note 5 - Investments for information on reverse repurchase agreements.
	Fair Value Hedges
	During 2012, we sold all available for sale fixed maturities in the portfolios that qualified for hedge accounting and settled all of the associated foreign exchange forward contracts. The hedges were designated and qualified as fair value hedges, resulting in the net impact of the hedges recognized in net realized investment gains (losses).

	The following table provides the total impact on earnings of applying hedge accounting for foreign exchange contracts designated as fair value hedges along with the impact of the related hedged investment portfolio for the periods indicated:




		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	—			$	—			$	10,853

		Hedged investment portfolio	—				—				(3,099		)

		Hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings	$	—			$	—			$	7,754



Derivative Instruments not Designated as Hedging Instruments
a) Relating to Investment Portfolio
Foreign Currency Risk
Within our investment portfolio we are exposed to foreign currency risk. Accordingly, the fair values for our investment portfolio are partially influenced by the change in foreign exchange rates. We may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to manage the effect of this foreign currency risk. These foreign currency hedging activities are not designated as specific hedges for financial reporting purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment portfolio contains a large percentage of fixed maturities which exposes us to significant interest rate risk. As part of our overall management of this risk, we may use interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps held at December 31, 2014 convert part of our overall fixed rate exposure to a variable rate exposure which effectively reduces the duration of our overall portfolio.
b) Relating to Underwriting Portfolio
Foreign Currency Risk
Our (re)insurance subsidiaries and branches operate in various foreign countries. Consequently, some of our business is written in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and, therefore, our underwriting portfolio is exposed to significant foreign currency risk. We manage foreign currency risk by seeking to match our foreign-denominated net liabilities under (re)insurance contracts with cash and investments that are denominated in such currencies. We may also use derivative instruments, specifically forward contracts and currency options, to economically hedge foreign currency exposures.
Weather Risk

During 2013, we began to write derivative-based risk management products designed to address weather risks with the objective of generating profits on a portfolio basis. The majority of this business consists of receiving a payment at contract inception in exchange for bearing the risk of variations in a quantifiable weather-related phenomenon, such as temperature. Where a client wishes to minimize the upfront payment, these transactions may be structured as swaps or collars. In general, our portfolio of such derivative contracts is of short duration, with contracts being predominantly seasonal in nature. In order to economically hedge a portion of this portfolio, we may also purchase weather derivatives.

Commodity Risk

Within our (re)insurance portfolio we are exposed to commodity price risk. During 2014, we began to hedge this price risk by entering into commodity derivative contracts. All commodity derivative contracts entered into during 2014 were settled at December 31, 2014.

The total unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges were as follows:



		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
		in Income on Derivative	Income on Derivative
			2014				2013				2012

	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Relating to investment portfolio:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Net realized investment gains	$	10,333			$	10,843			$	(9,170	)

	Interest rate swaps	Net realized investment gains	(19,936		)		(3,112		)		—

	Relating to underwriting portfolio:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Foreign exchange gains (losses)	(10,363		)		1,690				26,612

	Weather-related contracts	Other insurance related income	(5,373		)		1,987				—

	Commodity contracts	Other insurance related income	8,328				—				—

	Total		$	(17,011	)		$	11,408			$	17,442

RESERVE_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_EX

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES [Text Block]	Our reserve for losses and loss expenses comprise the following:



		As of December 31,	2014			2013

		Reserve for reported losses and loss expenses	$	3,285,675		$	3,499,817

		Reserve for losses incurred but not reported	6,311,122			6,082,323

		Reserve for losses and loss expenses	$	9,596,797		$	9,582,140


	The following table presents a reconciliation of our beginning and ending gross reserve for losses and loss expenses and net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses for the years indicated:



		Year ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012

		Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	$	9,582,140		$	9,058,731		$	8,425,045

		Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, beginning of year	(1,900,112		)	(1,825,617		)	(1,736,823		)
		Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	7,682,028			7,233,114			6,688,222


		Net incurred losses and loss expenses related to:
		Current year	2,445,666			2,353,631			2,340,868

		Prior years	(258,944		)	(219,436		)	(244,840		)
			2,186,722			2,134,195			2,096,028

		Net paid losses and loss expenses related to:
		Current year	(387,197		)	(318,006		)	(322,836		)
		Prior years	(1,544,664		)	(1,373,459		)	(1,299,384		)
			(1,931,861		)	(1,691,465		)	(1,622,220		)

		Foreign exchange and other	(230,372		)	6,184			71,084


		Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, end of year	7,706,517			7,682,028			7,233,114

		Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, end of year	1,890,280			1,900,112			1,825,617

		Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	$	9,596,797		$	9,582,140		$	9,058,731



	We write business with loss experience generally characterized as low frequency and high severity in nature, which can result in volatility in our financial results. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, we recognized aggregate net losses and loss expenses of $93 million, $201 million and $438 million in relation to natural catastrophe and weather-related events.
	Prior year reserve development arises from changes to loss and loss expense estimates related to loss events that occurred in previous calendar years. Such development is summarized by segment in the following table:



			Insurance			Reinsurance			Total

		Year ended December 31, 2014	$	63,735		$	195,209		$	258,944

		Year ended December 31, 2013	50,355			169,081			219,436

		Year ended December 31, 2012	122,209			122,631			244,840


	Overall, the majority of the net favorable prior year reserve development in 2014 related to short-tail lines of business. Net favorable prior year reserve development for reinsurance professional, liability and motor lines also contributed significantly and was partially offset by adverse development in insurance liability lines. Favorable reserve development in reinsurance liability and professional lines contributed in 2013 and was partially offset by adverse development in the insurance professional and insurance liability lines. Favorable development in professional lines contributed notably in 2012.
	The underlying exposures in our property, marine and aviation reserving classes within our insurance segment and the property reserving class within our reinsurance segment largely relate to short-tail business. Development from these classes contributed $207 million, $162 million and $186 million of the total net favorable prior year reserve development in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and primarily reflected the recognition of better than expected loss emergence.
	Our professional lines business recognized $32 million and $54 million of favorable prior year development in 2014 and 2012, respectively, while 2013 recognized $29 million of net adverse development. The 2014 and 2012 favorable prior year reserve developments were driven by increased weight being given to experience-based actuarial methods in selecting our ultimate loss estimates for accident years 2010 and prior. As our loss experience has generally been better than expected, this resulted in the recognition of favorable development. The increase in the reserves in 2013 was due to a $51 million adverse development in the insurance segment, reflecting worse than expected loss experience for the 2011-2012 accident years, following worse than expected loss experience on certain parts of our U.S. D&O business, and the 2008-2009 accident years, due to developments on certain global financial crisis-related claims. During 2013, the transition to the experience-based actuarial methods had a favorable impact on 2010 and prior years, which partially offset the adverse development discussed above.
In the first quarter of 2013, we began to give weight to actuarial methods that reflect our actual experience for liability reinsurance business, as we believe that our older accident years are now at a stage of expected development where such methods will produce meaningful actuarial indications. During 2014 and 2013, we recognized $21 million and $85 million, respectively, of net favorable prior year development, primarily reflecting the greater weight management is giving to experience based indications and our experience which has been favorable for the 2004 through 2008 accident years. This favorable development was offset in 2014 and partially offset in 2013 by adverse development in our liability insurance business of $23 million and $24 million, respectively, relating primarily to an increase in loss estimates for certain specific claim reserves.
Our motor lines recorded favorable prior year development of $19 million during 2014, relating to better than expected loss emergence on certain European exposures.
The frequency and severity of natural catastrophe and weather-related activity was high for 2012 and prior periods and our December 31, 2014 net reserve for losses and loss expenses continues to include estimated amounts for numerous events. We caution that the magnitude and/or complexity of losses arising from certain of these events, in particular Storm Sandy, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and the three New Zealand earthquakes, inherently increase the level of uncertainty and, therefore, the level of management judgment involved in arriving at our estimated net reserves for losses and loss expenses. As a result, our actual losses for these events may ultimately differ materially from our current estimates.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
REINSURANCE [Text Block]	We purchase treaty and facultative reinsurance to reduce exposure to significant losses. Facultative reinsurance provides coverage for all or a portion of the losses incurred for a single policy and we separately negotiate each facultative contract. Treaty reinsurance provides coverage for a specified type or category of risks. Our treaty reinsurance agreements provide this coverage on either an excess of loss or a proportional basis. Excess of loss covers provide a contractually set amount of coverage after a specified loss amount has been reached. These covers can be purchased on a package policy basis, which provide us with coverage for a number of lines of business within one contract. In contrast, proportional covers provide us with a specified percentage of coverage from the first dollar of loss.
	All of these reinsurance covers provide us the right to recover a portion of specified losses and loss expenses from reinsurers. However, to the extent that our reinsurers do not meet their obligations under these agreements due to solvency issues, contractual disputes or other reasons, we remain liable. We predominantly cede our business to reinsurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best.

	Gross and net premiums written and earned were as follows:



		Year ended December 31,	2014						2013						2012
			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums
			written			earned			written			earned			written			earned

		Gross	$	4,711,519		$	4,652,345		$	4,697,041		$	4,459,269		$	4,139,643		$	4,141,037

		Ceded	(804,544		)	(781,346		)	(768,841		)	(752,204		)	(802,187		)	(725,574		)
		Net	$	3,906,975		$	3,870,999		$	3,928,200		$	3,707,065		$	3,337,456		$	3,415,463


	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized ceded losses and loss expenses of $401 million (2013: $415 million; 2012: $396 million).
	Our provision for unrecoverable reinsurance was $18 million at December 31, 2014 (2013: $18 million). At December 31, 2014, 98.5% (2013: 98.8%) of our gross reinsurance recoverables were collectible from reinsurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best.

DEBT_AND_FINANCING_ARRANGEMENT

DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS [Text Block]
	a)	Senior Notes
	On November 15, 2004, AXIS Capital issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior unsecured debt (the ''5.75% Senior Notes'') at an issue price of 99.785%, generating net proceeds of $496 million. Interest on the 5.75% Senior Notes was payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2005. AXIS Capital repaid the full $500 million of its outstanding 5.75% Senior Notes upon their scheduled maturity of December 1, 2014.
	On March 23, 2010, AXIS Specialty Finance LLC, a 100% owned finance subsidiary, issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured debt (the ''5.875% Senior Notes'') at an issue price of 99.624%. The net proceeds of the issuance, after consideration of the offering discount and underwriting expenses and commissions, totaled approximately $495 million. Interest on the 5.875% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2010. Unless previously redeemed, the 5.875% Senior Notes will mature on June 1, 2020. The 5.875% Senior Notes are ranked as unsecured senior obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance LLC. AXIS Capital has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance LLC under the 5.875% Senior Notes. AXIS Capital’s obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and senior and rank equally with all other senior obligations of AXIS Capital.

	On March 13, 2014, AXIS Specialty Finance PLC, a 100% owned finance subsidiary, issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 2.65% senior unsecured notes (the "2.65% Senior Notes") at an issue price of 99.896% and $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.15% senior unsecured notes (the "5.15% Senior Notes", and, together with the 5.875% Senior Notes and the 2.65% Senior Notes, the "Senior Notes") at an issue price of 99.474%. The net proceeds of the issuance, after consideration of the offering discount and underwriting expenses and commissions, totaled approximately $248 million and $246 million for the 2.65% Senior Notes and the 5.15% Senior Notes, respectively. Interest on the 2.65% Senior Notes and the 5.15% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2014. Unless previously redeemed, the 2.65% Senior Notes and the 5.15% Senior Notes will mature on April 1, 2019 and April 1, 2045, respectively. The 2.65% Senior Notes and the 5.15% Senior Notes are ranked as unsecured senior obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance PLC. AXIS Capital has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance PLC under the 2.65% Senior Notes and the 5.15% Senior Notes. AXIS Capital's obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and senior and rank equally with all other senior obligations of AXIS Capital. Net proceeds from these two offerings were used towards the repayment of $500 million of AXIS Capital’s 5.75% senior unsecured notes which matured on December 1, 2014.
	We have the option to redeem the Senior Notes at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, at a ''make-whole'' redemption price, which is equal to the greater of the aggregate principal amount or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest. The related indentures contain various covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of restricted subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of restricted subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. We were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the indentures at December 31, 2014.

	Interest expense recognized in relation to our Senior Notes includes interest payable, amortization of the offering discounts and amortization of debt offering expenses. The offering discounts and debt offering expenses are amortized over the period of time during which the Senior Notes are outstanding. During 2014, we incurred interest expense of $72 million (2013: $59 million, 2012: $59 million).


	b)	Credit Facilities

	On March 26, 2013, in advance of the scheduled August expiration, we terminated and replaced our previously existing credit facility. AXIS Capital and certain subsidiaries are now party to a $250 million credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), which was issued by a syndication of lenders pursuant to a Credit Agreement and other ancillary documents (together, the "Facility Documents") and will expire in March 2017. At the request of the Company and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the aggregate commitment available under the Credit Facility may be increased by up to $150 million. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, loans are available for general corporate purposes and letters of credit may be issued in the ordinary course of business, with total usage not to exceed the aggregate commitment available. Interest on loans issued under the Credit Facility is payable based on underlying market rates at the time of loan issuance. While loans under the Credit Facility are unsecured, we have the option to issue letters of credit on a secured basis in order to reduce associated fees. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility would principally be used to support the (re)insurance obligations of our operating subsidiaries. Each of AXIS Capital, AXIS Specialty Finance LLC and AXIS Specialty Holdings Bermuda Limited guarantees the obligations of the other parties to the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is subject to certain non-financial covenants, including limitations on fundamental changes, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens and certain transactions with affiliates and investments, as defined in the Facility Documents. The Credit Facility also requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including a maximum debt to capital ratio and a minimum consolidated net worth requirement. In addition, each of AXIS Capital’s material (re)insurance subsidiaries party to the Credit Facility must maintain a minimum A.M. Best Company, Inc. financial strength rating. In the event of default, including a breach of these covenants, the lenders may exercise certain remedies including the termination of the Credit Facility, the declaration of all principal and interest amounts related to Credit Facility loans to be immediately due and the requirement that all outstanding letters of credit be collateralized.

	On September 18, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility in order to permit AXIS Capital and its subsidiaries to enter into swap contracts and other arrangements related to weather derivative transactions. All other material terms and conditions remained unchanged.

	Effective February 10, 2014, AXIS Specialty Finance PLC was added as a guarantor to the Credit Facility.
	On November 20, 2013, certain of AXIS Capital’s operating subsidiaries entered into an amendment to extend the term of the Company's secured $750 million letter of credit facility (the ''LOC Facility'') with Citibank Europe plc (''Citibank'') pursuant to a Master Reimbursement Agreement and other ancillary documents (together, the ''LOC Facility Documents''). The LOC Facility may be terminated by Citibank on December 31, 2016 upon thirty days prior notice. Under the terms of the LOC Facility, letters of credit to a maximum aggregate amount of $750 million are available for issuance on behalf of the operating subsidiaries. These letters of credit will principally be used to support the reinsurance obligations of the operating subsidiaries. The LOC Facility is subject to certain covenants, including the requirement to maintain sufficient collateral, as defined in the LOC Facility Documents, to cover all of the obligations under the LOC Facility. Such obligations include contingent reimbursement obligations for outstanding letters of credit and fees payable to Citibank. In the event of default, Citibank may exercise certain remedies, including the exercise of control over pledged collateral and the termination of the availability of the LOC Facility to any or all of the operating subsidiaries party to the LOC Facility Documents.

	On March 31, 2014, AXIS Capital's subsidiary, AXIS Specialty Limited, terminated the $170 million secured letter of credit facility with ING Bank N.V., London Branch. The Funds at Lloyd's requirements for the Company's subsidiary, AXIS Corporate Capital UK Limited, to support the underwriting capacity of the Company's Lloyd's syndicate, AXIS Syndicate 1686, are now being met by capital pledged in the form of fixed income securities deposited directly with Lloyd's.
	At December 31, 2014, letters of credit outstanding under the LOC Facility and the Credit Facility totaled $423 million and $nil respectively. There was no debt outstanding under the Credit Facility. We were in compliance with all LOC Facility and Credit Facility covenants at December 31, 2014.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Text Block]
	a)	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Credit Risk Aggregation
	We monitor and control the aggregation of credit risk on a consolidated basis by assigning limits on the maximum credit exposure we are willing to assume by single obligors and groups, industry sector, country, region or other inter-dependencies. Our credit exposures are aggregated based on the origin of risk. Limits are based and adjusted on a variety of factors, including the prevailing economic environment and the nature of the underlying credit exposures. Our credit aggregation measurement and reporting process is facilitated by an exposure database, which contains relevant information on counterparties and credit risk; we also license third party databases to provide credit risk assessments.
	Credit risk aggregation is also managed through minimizing overlaps in underwriting, financing and investing activities.
	The assets that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and investments, reinsurance recoverable and (re)insurance premiums receivable balances, as described below:
	Cash and Investments
	In order to mitigate concentration and operational risks related to cash and cash equivalents, we limit the maximum amount of cash that can be deposited with a single counterparty and additionally limit acceptable counterparties based on current rating, outlook and other relevant factors.
	Our investment portfolio is managed by external investment managers in accordance with our investment guidelines. We limit credit risk through diversification, issuer exposure limitation graded by ratings and, with respect to custodians, through contractual and other legal remedies. Excluding U.S. government and agency securities, we limit our concentration of credit risk to any single corporate issuer to 2% or less of our fixed maturities portfolio for securities rated A- or above and 1% or less of our fixed maturities portfolio for securities rated below A-. At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with these limits.
	Reinsurance Recoverable Balances
	With respect to our reinsurance recoverable balances, we are exposed to the risk of a reinsurer failing to meet its obligations under coverage we have purchased. To mitigate this risk, all reinsurance coverage we purchase is subject to requirements established by our Reinsurance Security Committee. This Committee maintains a list of approved reinsurers, performs credit risk assessments for potential new reinsurers, regularly monitors approved reinsurers with consideration for events which may have a material impact on their creditworthiness, recommends counterparty tolerance levels for different types of ceded business and monitors concentrations of credit risk. The assessment of each reinsurer considers a range of attributes, including a review of financial strength, industry position and other qualitative factors. Generally, the Committee requires that reinsurers who do not meet specified requirements provide collateral.

	The three largest balances by reinsurer accounted for 13%, 11% and 11% of total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid and paid losses at December 31, 2014 (2013: 14%, 11% and 11%). Amounts related to our reinsurers with the ten largest balances comprised 77% of December 31, 2014 balance (2013: 77%) and had a weighted average A.M. Best rating of A+ (2013: A+).
	Premiums Receivable Balances
	The diversity of our client base limits the credit risk associated with our premiums receivable. In addition, for insurance contracts we have contractual rights to cancel coverage for non-payment of premiums and for reinsurance contracts we have contractual rights to offset premiums receivable with corresponding payments for losses and loss expenses.
	Brokers and other intermediaries collect premiums from customers to be paid to us. We have policies and standards in place to manage and monitor credit risk from intermediaries with a focus on day-to-day monitoring of the largest positions.
	These contractual rights contribute to the mitigation of credit risk, as does our monitoring of aged receivable balances. In light of these mitigating factors, and considering that a significant portion of our premiums receivable are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts, we do not utilize specific credit quality indicators to monitor our premiums receivable balance. At December 31, 2014, we recorded an allowance for estimated uncollectible premiums receivable of $4 million (2013: $3 million). The corresponding bad debts expense charges for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were insignificant.


	b)	Brokers
	We produce our business through brokers and direct relationships with insurance companies. During 2014, three brokers accounted for 56% (2013: 61%; 2012: 61%) of our total gross premiums written. Aon Corporation accounted for 22% (2013: 26%; 2012: 27%), Marsh, Inc. (including its subsidiary Guy Carpenter and Company) for 22% (2013: 23%; 2012: 22%), and Willis Group Holdings Ltd. for 12% (2013: 12%; 2012: 12%). No other broker and no one insured or reinsured accounted for more than 10% of our gross premiums written in any of the last three years.


	c)	Lease Commitments

	We lease office space under operating leases which expire at various dates. We renew and enter into new leases in the ordinary course of business, as required. During 2014, total rent expense with respect to these operating leases was $27 million (2013: $29 million; 2012: $29 million).

	Future minimum lease payments under our leases are expected to be as follows:



		Year ended December 31,

		2015	$	27,609

		2016	23,074

		2017	20,310

		2018	17,511

		2019	15,937

		Later years	36,452

		Total future minimum lease payments	$	140,893




	d)	Reinsurance Purchase Commitment
	We purchase reinsurance coverage for our insurance lines of business. The minimum reinsurance premiums are contractually due in advance on a quarterly basis. Accordingly at December 31, 2014, we have an outstanding reinsurance purchase commitment of $78 million, of which $67 million is due in 2015 while the remaining $11 million is due in 2016. Actual payments under the reinsurance contracts will depend on the underlying subject premium and may exceed the minimum premium.


	e)	Legal Proceedings

	From time to time, we are subject to routine legal proceedings, including arbitrations, arising in the ordinary course of business. These legal proceedings generally relate to claims asserted by or against us in the ordinary course of insurance or reinsurance operations; estimated amounts payable under such proceedings are included in the reserve for losses and loss expenses in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

	We are not party to any material legal proceedings arising outside the ordinary course of business.


	f)	Investments

	At December 31, 2014 we have $123 million (2013: $168 million) of unfunded investment commitments related to our investments in hedge and direct-lending funds, which are callable by our investment managers. For further details, see Note 5(b). In addition, we have a $25 million commitment to purchase securities with one of our fixed income managers at December 31, 2014.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Text Block]	The following table sets forth the comparison of basic and diluted earnings per common share:



		At and year ended December 31,	2014			2013		2012

		Basic earnings per common share
		Net income	$	804,564		$	727,465	$	547,241

		Less: noncontrolling interests	(6,181		)	—		—

		Less: preferred share dividends	40,088			40,474		38,228

		Less: loss on repurchase of preferred shares	—			3,081		14,009

		Net income available to common shareholders	$	770,657		$	683,910	$	495,004

		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	104,368			113,636		122,148

		Basic earnings per common share	$	7.38		$	6.02	$	4.05


		Diluted earnings per common share
		Net income available to common shareholders	$	770,657		$	683,910	$	495,004


		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	104,368			113,636		122,148

		Stock compensation plans	1,345			1,692		1,506

		Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	105,713			115,328		123,654

		Diluted earnings per common share	$	7.29		$	5.93	$	4


		Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive computation	282			250		614

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Text Block]
	a)	Common Shares
	At December 31, 2014, and 2013, our authorized share capital was 800,000,000 common shares, par value of $0.0125 per share.
	The following table presents our common shares issued and outstanding, excluding restricted shares under our stock compensation plans (see Note 16 – Share-based Compensation):



		Year ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012

		Shares issued, balance at beginning of year	174,134		171,867			170,159

		Shares issued	1,344		2,267			1,708

		Total shares issued at end of year	175,478		174,134			171,867


		Treasury shares, balance at beginning of year	(64,649	)	(53,947	)		(44,571	)
		Shares repurchased	(11,752	)	(10,830	)		(9,376	)
		Shares reissued from treasury	349		128			—

		Total treasury shares at end of year	(76,052	)	(64,649	)		(53,947	)

		Total shares outstanding	99,426		109,485			117,920


	During 2014, the total cash dividends declared per common share were $1.10 (2013: $1.02; 2012: $0.97).

	Treasury shares

	On December 5, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase plan for up to $750 million of our common shares through December 31, 2016. The new plan is effective January 1, 2015.

	The following table presents our common share repurchase activities, which are held in treasury:



		Year ended December 31,	2014			2013				2012

		In the open market:
		Total shares	11,317			7,362				6,057

		Total cost	$	524,168		$	337,083			$	203,704

		Average price per share(1)	$	46.32		$	45.79			$	33.63


		From employees:(2)
		Total shares	435			468				319

		Total cost	$	19,034		$	19,080			$	10,483

		Average price per share(1)	$	43.82		$	40.75			$	32.85


		From founding shareholder:(3)
		Total shares	—			3,000				3,000

		Total cost	$	—		$	116,100			$	103,500

		Average price per share(1)	$	—		$	38.7			$	34.5


		Total
		Total shares	11,752			10,830				9,376

	Total cost	$	543,202		$	472,263			$	317,687

	Average price per share(1)	$	46.22		$	43.61			$	33.88



-1	Calculated using whole figures.

-2	To satisfy withholding tax liabilities upon vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and exercise of stock options. Share repurchases from employees are excluded from the authorized share repurchase plans noted above.

-3	Represents privately negotiated repurchases of 3,000,000 of our common shares from Trident II, L.P and affiliated entities in both 2013 and 2012.


b)	Preferred Shares
Series A Preferred Shares
During October 2005, we issued $250 million of 7.25% Series A preferred shares, par value $0.0125 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. In 2012, concurrent with the issuance of our Series C preferred shares (see below), we redeemed 6,000,000 of the 7.25% Series A preferred shares, representing $150 million in aggregate liquidation preference, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. In connection with this redemption, we recognized a $5 million loss on redemption (calculated as the difference between the redemption price and the carrying value), which was recognized as a reduction in determining our net income available to common shareholders.

During June 2013, we redeemed the remaining 4,000,000 Series A preferred shares outstanding, representing an aggregate liquidation preference of $100 million. In connection with this redemption, we recognized a $3 million loss.

In 2013, the total dividends declared on Series A preferred shares were $0.9063 per share. In 2013, dividends of $1.3594 per share were paid, of which $0.4531 had been declared in 2012. In 2012, the total dividends declared and paid on Series A preferred shares were $1.8125 per share.


Series B Preferred Shares

During November 2005, we issued $250 million of 7.50% Series B preferred shares, par value $0.0125 per share, with a liquidation preference of $100.00 per share. We may redeem the shares on or after December 1, 2015 at a redemption price of $100.00 per share. Dividends on the Series B preferred shares if, as and when declared by our board of directors will be payable initially at a fixed rate per annum equal to 7.50% of the liquidation preference on the first day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on March 1, 2006, up to but not including December 1, 2015. Commencing on March 1, 2016, the dividend rate on the Series B preferred shares will be payable at a floating rate. During a floating rate period, the floating rate per annum will be reset quarterly at a rate equal to 3.4525% plus the 3 month LIBOR Rate. Dividends on the Series B preferred shares are non-cumulative.

During April 2012, we closed a cash tender offer for any and all of our outstanding 7.50% Series B preferred shares at a purchase price of $102.81 per share. As a result, we purchased 2,471,570 Series B preferred shares for $254 million. In connection with this tender offer, we recognized a $9 million loss on redemption (calculated as the difference between the redemption price and the carrying value), which was recognized as a reduction in determining our net income available to common shareholders. Following the completion of the tender offer, 28,430 Series B preferred shares, representing $3 million in aggregate liquidation preference, remain outstanding.

In 2014, 2013 and 2012, total dividends declared and paid on Series B preferred shares were $7.50 per share.

Series C Preferred Shares

During March 2012, we issued $400 million of 6.875% Series C preferred shares, par value $0.0125 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. We may redeem the Series C preferred shares on or after April 15, 2017 at a redemption price of $25.00 per share. Dividends on the Series C preferred shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, if the board of directors does not authorize and declare a dividend for any period, holders of the Series C preferred shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accumulate and be payable. Holders of the Series C preferred shares will be entitled to receive, only when, as and if declared by the board of directors, non-cumulative cash dividends from the original issue date, quarterly in arrears on the fifteenth day of January, April, July and October of each year, commencing on July 15, 2012, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 6.875% of the liquidation preference per annum.

For 2014 and 2013, the total dividends declared and paid on Series C preferred shares were $1.7188 per share in each year. For 2012, the total dividends declared on Series C preferred shares were $1.4132 per share. Of this amount, $0.9835 was paid in 2012 and the remaining $0.4297 was subsequently paid in 2013.

Series D Preferred Shares

During May 2013, we issued $225 million of 5.50% Series D preferred shares, par value $0.0125 per share, with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. We may redeem the Series D preferred shares on or after June 1, 2018 at a redemption price of $25.00 per share. Dividends on the Series D preferred shares are non-cumulative. Consequently, if the Board of Directors does not authorize and declare a dividend for any period, holders of the Series D preferred shares will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accumulate and be payable. Holders of the Series D preferred shares will be entitled to receive, only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, non-cumulative cash dividends from the original issue date, quarterly in arrears on the first day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on September 1, 2013, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. To the extent declared, these dividends will accumulate, with respect to each dividend period, in an amount per share equal to 5.50% of the liquidation preference per annum.
In 2014, total dividends declared and paid on Series D preferred shares were $1.3750 per share. In 2013, the total dividends declared on Series D preferred shares were $0.6875 per share. Of this amount, $0.3438 was paid in 2013 and the remaining $0.3438 was subsequently paid in 2014.

The holders of the Series D preferred shares, as well as our previously issued preferred shares, have no voting rights other than the right to elect a specified number of directors if preferred share dividends are not declared and paid for a specified period.


c)	Out of Period Adjustment

Common share dividends were historically recognized as a reduction of retained earnings when paid. During 2012, we recognized a $31 million adjustment in our Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity in order to reflect dividends within retained earnings when declared, with a corresponding increase in other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. This adjustment did not impact net income or net income available to common shareholders.

We believe that this matter was quantitatively and qualitatively immaterial to our previously issued financial statements and that the recognition of the adjustment in 2012 was similarly immaterial.

NONCONTROLLING_INTEREST

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	During November 2013, the Company formed AXIS Ventures Reinsurance Limited ("Ventures Re"), a Bermuda domiciled insurer. Ventures Re was formed to write reinsurance on a fully collateralized basis.

	Following the formation of Ventures Re, third party investors purchased $50 million of Class A non-voting redeemable preferred share capital issued by this entity. The Ventures Re Class A preferred shares are redeemable at the sole discretion of Ventures Re's Board of Directors. During the third quarter of 2014, $10 million was returned to the Ventures Re Class A preferred share capital holders as part of a reduction of Ventures Re's share premium account.

	During the third quarter of 2014, third party investors purchased $25 million of Class B non-voting redeemable preferred share capital issued by Ventures Re. The Ventures Re Class B preferred shares are redeemable at the sole discretion of Ventures Re's Board of Directors.

	Ventures Re is considered to be a variable interest entity. The Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Ventures Re as it has the power to direct, and has more than an insignificant economic interest in, the activities of this entity. Following this determination, Ventures Re was consolidated by the Company. Shareholders' equity attributable to Ventures Re's third party investors is recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements as noncontrolling interests.

	At December 31, 2014, total assets of Ventures Re were $97 million (2013: $50 million), consisting primarily of cash and cash equivalents and insurance receivables. Total liabilities were $38 million (2013: $nil) consisting primarily of loss reserves. The assets of Ventures Re can only be used to settle its own liabilities, and there is no recourse to the Company for any liabilities incurred by this entity.

	The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the noncontrolling interests in Ventures Re for the year was as follows:


			Total
			2014

		Balance at January 1, 2014	$	50,000

		Increase from issuance of preferred equity to noncontrolling interests	25,000

		Decrease from return of capital to noncontrolling interests	(10,000		)
		Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	(6,181		)
		Balance at December 31, 2014	$	58,819

RETIREMENT_PLANS

RETIREMENT PLANS	12 Months Ended
RETIREMENT PLANS	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
RETIREMENT PLANS [Text Block]	We provide defined contribution plans that are self directed to eligible employees through various plans sponsored by us. Generally, mutual funds are made available pursuant to which employees and we contribute a percentage of the employee’s gross salary into the plan each month.
	For eligible U.S. employees, we provide a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that enables them to make salary contributions in excess of those permitted under the AXIS 401(k) Plan, to make additional employee contributions from their bonus payments, and to receive discretionary employer contributions.
	We also provided supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERP”) to both the Chairman and the former CEO. We settled all obligations under our SERP during the third quarter of 2012, resulting in the recognition of an insignificant loss.
	During 2014, our total pension expenses were $21 million (2013: $20 million and 2012: $20 million) for the above retirement benefits.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION [Text Block]	In May 2007, our shareholders approved the establishment of the AXIS Capital Holdings Limited 2007 Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan (“2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan provides for, among other things, the grant of restricted stock, restricted stock units, non-qualified and incentive stock options, and other equity-based awards to our employees and directors. The 2007 Plan authorized the issuance of a total of 5,000,000 shares. In May of 2009 and 2012, our shareholders approved amendments to the 2007 Plan to increase the number of common shares authorized for issuance by 4,000,000 and 6,000,000 respectively, to bring the total number of common shares authorized for issuance to 15,000,000. As a result of the adoption of the 2007 Plan, the 2003 Long-Term Equity Compensation and 2003 Directors Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan were terminated, except that all related outstanding awards will remain in effect.
	We currently issue restricted stock and restricted stock units to our employees with service conditions, vesting generally over a period of 3 or 4 years. The 3 year awards are subject to cliff vesting at the end of the 3 year period. With the 4 year awards, 25% of the award vests annually. We also grant performance-based stock awards to certain employees in order to promote long-term growth and profitability. Performance-based awards represent the right to receive a specified number of common shares in the future, based upon the achievement of established performance criteria during the applicable performance period. Some awards have a scaled performance metric, but the actual award could be higher or lower than target. At December 31, 2014, we anticipate that the established performance based criterion for these awards are likely to be achieved.
	Grants provided under the 2007 Plan generally allow for accelerated vesting provisions upon the employee’s death, permanent disability, or certain terminations following a change in control of the Company occurring within two years of the change in control event. Notwithstanding these vesting provisions, the Compensation Committee of our Board has broad authority to accelerate vesting at its own discretion.
	At December 31, 2014, 5,868,286 equity-based awards remained available for grant under the 2007 Plan. Between January 1, 2015 and February 11, 2015, a total of 977,253 service-based restricted stock units and 78,441 performance-based restricted stock units were approved for grant by the board of directors. Included in the total restricted stock awards approved for grant subsequent to December 31, 2014 were 485,784 awards which will be settled in cash upon vesting.
	The total fair value of restricted stock and cash settled awards vested during 2014 was $68 million (2013: $70 million; 2012: $43 million). At December 31, 2014, we had unrecognized compensation costs of $112 million (2013: $98 million) which are expected to be recognized over the weighted average period of 2.3 years (2013: 2.4 years).
	We have granted stock options under the 2003 Plans; however, none have been issued since 2005. All outstanding stock options are fully vested and exercisable, and expire ten years from the date of the grant. All outstanding options were exercised on or before January 12, 2015.


	a)	Restricted Stock
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of nonvested restricted stock (including restricted stock units) for the year ended December 31, 2014:



			Performance-based Stock Awards				Service-based Stock Awards
			Number of		Weighted Average		Number of			Weighted Average
			Restricted		Grant Date		Restricted			Grant Date
			Stock		Fair Value		Stock			Fair Value

		Nonvested restricted stock - beginning of year	283		$	35.74	3,430			$	34.72

		Granted	68		44.33		1,053			44.47

		Vested	—		—		(1,474	)		33.83

		Forfeited	(4	)	44.33		(241	)		36.96

		Nonvested restricted stock - end of year	347		$	37.34	2,768			$	38.7


	(1) Fair value is based on the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on the day of the grant.
	During 2014, we granted 1,121,066 restricted stock awards (2013: 1,007,425; 2012: 2,447,700) to our employees with a weighted average grant-date fair value per share of $44.46 (2013: $39.52; 2012: $32.20).
	During 2014, we incurred a compensation cost of $73 million (2013: $57 million; 2012: $68 million) in respect of all restricted stock, restricted stock units, and cash awards, and recorded tax benefits thereon of $14 million (2013: $10 million; 2012: $8 million). Compensation costs incurred in 2012 includes $20 million of accelerated and incremental expenses associated with the transition in our senior leadership. The retirement of one senior leader resulted in the modification of that leader's outstanding restricted stock awards to eliminate the previously existing service condition. The unanticipated termination without cause of another senior officer lead to the early satisfaction of employment obligations and resulted in the service condition associated with that officer's outstanding restricted stock awards being fully satisfied.


	b)	Cash-settled Awards

	During 2014, we also granted 1,018,083 restricted stock units that will settle in cash rather than shares when the awards ultimately vest (2013: 847,425). At December 31, 2014, the compensation expense recorded in the income statement, and corresponding liability for cash-settled awards, included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was $21 million (2013: $9 million).


	c)	Stock options
	The following is a summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 and related activity for the year ended:



			Number		Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			of Stock		Average		Average		Intrinsic
			Options		Exercise		Remaining		Value(1)
					Price		Contractual
							Term

		Outstanding and exercisable - beginning of year	213		$	27.98

		Granted	—		—

		Exercised	(193	)	27.97

		Expired	—		—

		Outstanding and exercisable - end of year	20		$	28.02	0		$	461



	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price at December 31, 2014 and the exercisable price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money-options) that would have been received by the stock option holder had all stock option holders exercised their stock options on December 31, 2014.
	The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2014 was $4 million (2013: $10 million) and we received proceeds of $5 million (2013: $17 million). For these exercised stock options, we issued new shares from the authorized share capital pool rather than from our treasury pool.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions [Text Block]	The transactions listed below are classified as related party transactions as each counterparty had or has had either a direct or indirect shareholding in us or has been a board member during any period covered by the financial statements.
	The collateral manager of four of our CLOs is Blackstone Debt Advisors L.P., is entitled to management fees payable by the collateralized obligations in the ordinary course of business. We also have investments in two hedge funds managed by Blackstone Alternative Asset Management, LP, who is entitled to management fees in the ordinary course of business. On June 30, 2012, Blackstone Group ceased to be a related party. Fees due or paid for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were $1 million.
	In the ordinary course of business, we engage SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC for asset management services for certain of our short duration high yield debt portfolios and StoneRiver RegEd for broker and adjuster licensing, appointment and compliance services. During 2014, total fees paid to these Stone Point Group companies were $4 million (2013: $2 million; 2012: $2 million).
	We currently have $30 million committed to the NXT Capital Senior Loan Fund II. The manager of NXT Capital Senior Loan Fund II is an indirect subsidiary of NXT Capital Holdings, L.P. ("NXT Capital"). Stone Point Capital, LLC, through an affiliated fund, owns approximately 45% of NXT Capital. During 2014, fees paid to NXT Capital totaled less than $1 million.
	Our Chairman, Mr. Butt, received $1 million in consulting fee payments in 2014 pursuant to the terms of a consulting agreement by and between Mr. Butt and the Company dated May 3, 2012, as amended December 5, 2013, and December 4, 2014 (2013: $1 million; 2012: nil).

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES [Text Block]	Under current Bermuda law, our Bermuda domiciled companies are not required to pay any taxes in Bermuda on income or capital gains. We have received an assurance from the Minister of Finance in Bermuda that, in the event of any taxes being imposed, we will be exempt from taxation in Bermuda until March 2035. Our primary Bermuda subsidiary has an operating branch in Singapore, which is subject to the relevant taxes in that jurisdiction. The branch is not under examination in this tax jurisdiction, but remains subject to examination for tax years 2011 through 2014.

	Our U.S. subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local corporate income taxes and other taxes applicable to U.S. corporations. The provision for federal income taxes has been determined under the principles of the consolidated tax provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and Regulations. Should the U.S. subsidiaries pay a dividend outside the U.S. group, withholding taxes will apply. Our U.S. subsidiaries are not under examination but remain subject to examination in the U.S. for tax years 2011 through 2014.
	In Canada, our U.S. reinsurance company operates through a branch and our U.S. service company has an unlimited liability company subsidiary based in Canada. These Canadian operations are subject to the relevant taxes in that jurisdiction and generally remain subject to examination for tax years 2010 through 2014.
	We also have subsidiaries in Ireland, the United Kingdom (U.K.), Australia and Brazil. These subsidiaries and their branches, are not under examination, but generally remain subject to examination in all applicable jurisdictions for tax years 2010 through 2014.
	The following table provides an analysis of our income tax expense and net tax assets:



		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Current income tax expense (benefit)
		United States	$	8,411			$	12,466			$	4,931

		Europe	16,582				9,039				8,566

		Other	1				—				(174		)

		Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
		United States	1,313				(13,976		)		(10,749		)

		Europe	(399		)		(526		)		713

		Other	—				(1		)		—

		Total income tax expense	$	25,908			$	7,002			$	3,287


		Net current tax receivables (payables)	$	(11,203	)		$	5,689			$	1,164

		Net deferred tax assets	89,405				80,258				52,794


		Net tax assets	$	78,202			$	85,947			$	53,958



	Deferred income taxes reflect the tax impact of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



		At December 31,	2014				2013

		Deferred tax assets:
		Discounting of loss reserves	$	59,852			$	59,023

		Unearned premiums	39,661				39,146

		Operating loss carryforwards	26,016				20,316

		Accruals not currently deductible	44,082				39,018

		Other investment adjustments and impairments	4,001				7,859

		Tax credits	15,412				11,886

		Depreciation	—				2,410

		Other deferred tax assets	1,324				2,906

		Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	190,348				182,564

		Valuation allowance	(34,094		)		(25,542		)
		Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	156,254				157,022


	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred acquisition costs	(37,712		)		(37,226		)
	Net unrealized gains on investments	(12,792		)		(23,200		)
	Amortization of intangible assets and goodwill	(10,778		)		(10,059		)
	Accrued market discounts	(707		)		(1,151		)
	Equalization reserves	(3,554		)		(2,080		)
	Other deferred tax liabilities	(1,306		)		(3,048		)
	Deferred tax liabilities	(66,849		)		(76,764		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	89,405			$	80,258


At December 31, 2014, the total operating loss carryforwards for our Singapore and Australian branches were $110 million (2013: $115 million) and $68 million (2013: $45 million), respectively. Such operating losses are currently available to offset future taxable income of the branches and may be carried forward indefinitely in each jurisdiction. At December 31, 2014, our European subsidiaries have a $7 million (2013: $4 million) foreign tax credit which can be carried forward indefinitely. In addition, at December 31, 2014, our U.S. companies have a $8 million (2013: $7 million) alternative minimum tax credit that can be carried forward indefinitely.
The following table provides an analysis of the movement in our valuation allowance:



	At December 31,	2014				2013

	Income tax expense:
	Valuation allowance - beginning of year	$	27,070			$	33,933

	Operating loss carryforwards	3,044				(794		)

	Capital loss carryforwards	1,262				—

	Foreign tax credit	3,194				1,762

	Australian CTA and accruals and rate differentials	1,052				—

	Change in investment-related items	(757		)		(7,831		)
	Valuation allowance - end of year	34,865				27,070


	Accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Valuation allowance - beginning of year	(1,528		)		(9,359		)
	Change in investment-related items	757				7,831

	Valuation allowance - end of year	(771		)		(1,528		)

	Total valuation allowance - end of year	$	34,094			$	25,542



At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we established a full valuation allowance on: (1) operating loss carryforwards relating to branch operations in Australia and Singapore due to cumulative losses in recent years; (2) unutilized foreign tax credits available in Ireland and (3) certain other deferred tax assets related to branch operations.

Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the recorded net deferred tax assets will be realized. Other than the items discussed above, the remaining gross deferred tax assets relate substantially to our U.S. operations. In evaluating our ability to recover these tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including historical results, operating loss carryback potential and scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities. Our U.S. operations have produced significant taxable income in prior periods and have deferred tax liabilities that will reverse in future periods such that we believe sufficient ordinary taxable income is available to utilize all remaining ordinary deferred tax assets. In 2014 and 2013, there were sufficient net unrealized gains to offset remaining impairments, therefore a valuation allowance on such impairments in the U.S., was not considered necessary.
There were no unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The following table presents the distribution of income before income taxes between domestic and foreign jurisdictions as well as a reconciliation of the actual income tax rate to the amount computed by applying the effective tax rate of 0% under Bermuda law to income before income taxes:



	Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

	Income before income taxes
	Bermuda (domestic)	$	690,517			$	625,490			$	485,613

	Foreign	139,955				108,977				64,915

	Total income before income taxes	$	830,472			$	734,467			$	550,528


	Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes)
	Expected tax rate	0		%		0		%		0		%
	Foreign taxes at local expected rates:
	United States	1.8		%		2.1		%		0.4		%
	Europe	1.5		%		1		%		1.4		%
	Other	—		%		0.3		%		—		%
	Valuation allowance	1.1		%		(0.7		)%		0.6		%
	Net tax exempt income	(0.7		)%		(1.3		)%		(1.5		)%
	Other	(0.6		)%		(0.4		)%		(0.3		)%
	Actual tax rate	3.1		%		1		%		0.6		%

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Text Block]	The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:


			Before Tax Amount				Tax (Expense) Benefit				Net of Tax Amount

		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Available for sale investments:
		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year	$	(22,704	)		$	(15,963	)		$	(38,667	)
		Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	(141,172		)		26,702				(114,470		)

		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	(163,876		)		10,739				(153,137		)

		Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	—				—				—

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	(10,262		)		—				(10,262		)

		Total other comprehensive loss	$	(174,138	)		$	10,739			$	(163,399	)


		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Available for sale investments:
		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year	$	(169,614	)		$	7,782			$	(161,832	)

		Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	(67,156		)		5,605				(61,551		)

		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	(236,770		)		13,387				(223,383		)

		Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	—				—				—

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21,414		)		—				(21,414		)

		Total other comprehensive loss	$	(258,184	)		$	13,387			$	(244,797	)


		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Available for sale investments:
		Unrealized investment gains arising during the year	$	378,040			$	(29,530	)		$	348,510

		Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	(127,828		)		11,550				(116,278		)

		Unrealized investment gains arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	250,212				(17,980		)		232,232

		Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	—				—				—

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	510				—				510

		Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity and reclassification adjustment	1,718				—				1,718

		Total other comprehensive income	$	252,440			$	(17,980	)		$	234,460



	Reclassifications out of AOCI into net income available to common shareholders were as follows:


				Amount Reclassified from AOCI(1)
		Details About AOCI Components	Consolidated Statement of Operations Line Item That Includes Reclassification	Year ended December 31,
				2014				2013				2012

		Unrealized appreciation on available for sale investments
			Other realized investment gains	$	172,399			$	76,518			$	152,062

			OTTI losses	(31,227		)		(9,362		)		(24,234		)
			Total before tax	141,172				67,156				127,828

		Tax expense	(26,702		)		(5,605		)		(11,550		)
		Net of tax	$	114,470			$	61,551			$	116,278


	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs)
	Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations	General and administrative expenses	$	—			$	—			$	(1,718	)

		Tax benefit	—				—				—

		Net of tax	$	—			$	—			$	(1,718	)



-1	Amounts in parentheses are debits to net income available to common shareholders

STATUTORY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO

STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments [Abstract]
STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Text Block]	Our (re)insurance operations are subject to insurance and/or reinsurance laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, the most significant of which include Bermuda, Ireland and the United States. These regulations include certain restrictions on the amount of dividends or other distributions, such as loans or cash advances, available to shareholders without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities.

	The statutory capital and surplus in each of our most significant regulatory jurisdictions at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:



			Bermuda				Ireland				United States
		At December 31,	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013

		Required statutory capital and surplus	$	1,972,951	$	1,996,794	$	299,758	$	315,258	$	415,011	$	385,651

		Available statutory capital and surplus	$	3,729,925	$	3,839,840	$	788,882	$	792,427	$	1,443,032	$	1,348,861



	Under the Insurance Act 1978, amendments thereto and Related Regulations of Bermuda (the "Act"), our Bermuda subsidiary, AXIS Specialty Bermuda is required to maintain minimum statutory capital and surplus equal to the greater of a minimum solvency margin ("MSM") and the Enhanced Capital Requirement ("ECR"). The MSM is the greater of $100 million, 50% of net written premiums or 15% of the net reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses and the ECR is calculated based on either an internally developed risk-based capital model or a standard risk-based capital model developed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Under the Act, AXIS Specialty Bermuda is restricted as to the payment of dividends and/or distributions for amounts greater than 25% of the prior year’s statutory capital and surplus, whereby a signed affidavit by at least two members of the Board of Directors attesting that a dividend and/or distribution in excess of this amount would not cause the company to fail to meet its relevant margins is required. At December 31, 2014, the maximum dividend/distribution AXIS Specialty Bermuda could pay, without a signed affidavit, having met minimum levels of statutory capital and surplus requirements, was approximately $932 million.

	Our Irish subsidiaries, AXIS Specialty Europe SE and AXIS Re SE, are required to maintain minimum levels of statutory and capital surplus. At December 31, 2014, our subsidiaries were in compliance with these requirements. Our Irish subsidiaries may declare dividends out of retained earnings subject to meeting their solvency and capital requirements, which are to hold statutory capital and surplus equal to or exceeding the Required Solvency Margin ("RSM"). The RSM is calculated with reference to Solvency I regulations. The maximum dividend is limited to "profits available for distribution", which consists of accumulated realized profits less accumulated realized losses and statutory reserves. At December 31, 2014, the maximum dividend our Irish subsidiaries could pay out of retained earnings, after obtaining prior approval from the Irish regulator, was approximately $177 million.

	Our U.S. operations required statutory capital and surplus is determined using risk based capital tests, which is the threshold that constitutes the authorized control level. If a company falls below the control level, the commissioner is authorized to take whatever regulatory actions may be considered necessary to protect policyholders and creditors. The maximum dividend that may be paid by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is restricted by the regulatory requirements of the domiciliary states. Generally, the maximum dividend that may be paid by each of our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is limited to unassigned surplus (statutory equivalent of retained earnings) and may also be limited to statutory net income, net investment income or 10% of total statutory capital and surplus. At December 31, 2014, the maximum dividend that our U.S. insurance operations could pay without regulatory approval was approximately $144 million.

	Our operating subsidiaries in Bermuda and the United States maintain branch offices in Singapore and Canada, respectively. Our Irish operating subsidiaries maintain branch offices in Switzerland, Australia and the United Kingdom. As branch offices are not considered separate entities for regulatory purposes, the required and actual statutory capital and surplus amounts for each jurisdiction in the table above include amounts related to the applicable branch offices. Our Singaporean, Australian and Canadian branch offices are subject to additional minimum capital or asset requirements in their countries of domicile. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the actual capital/assets for each of these branches exceeded the relevant local regulatory requirements.

	Total statutory net income of our operating subsidiaries was $884 million, $766 million, $697 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The differences between statutory financial statements and statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP vary by jurisdiction; however, the primary differences are that statutory financial statements do not reflect deferred acquisition costs, certain net deferred tax assets, goodwill and intangible assets, unrealized appreciation on debt securities or certain unauthorized reinsurance recoverables.

UNAUDITED_CONDENSED_QUARTERLY_

UNAUDITED CONDENSED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
UNAUDITED CONDENSED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA [Text Block]	The following is an unaudited summary of our quarterly financial results:



		Quarters ended	31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep			31-Dec

		2014
		Net premiums earned	$	945,949	$	1,000,400	$	966,138		$	958,517

		Net investment income	82,744		114,867		66,562			78,595

		Net realized investment gains	10,620		33,261		77,448			10,779

		Underwriting income	108,766		126,581		113,464			112,720

		Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	147,249		200,686		289,126			173,685

		Net income available to common shareholders	137,227		190,664		279,104			163,663

		Earnings per common share - basic	$	1.26	$	1.81	$	2.71		$	1.63

		Earnings per common share - diluted	$	1.24	$	1.79	$	2.68		$	1.6


		2013
		Net premiums earned	$	874,039	$	945,873	$	945,242		$	941,911

		Net investment income	108,908		83,112		103,429			113,863

		Net realized investment gains (losses)	44,478		16,235		(4,708		)	19,558

		Underwriting income	170,799		9,921		153,088			94,159

		Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	311,557		83,725		150,635			181,546

		Net income available to common shareholders	302,816		72,447		137,121			171,524

		Earnings per common share - basic	$	2.59	$	0.63	$	1.23		$	1.55

		Earnings per common share - diluted	$	2.55	$	0.62	$	1.21		$	1.52

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	12 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event [Text Block]	On January 25, 2015, the Company announced the signing of a definitive amalgamation agreement with PartnerRe Ltd. PartnerRe Ltd., through its principal operating subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and certain specialty insurance lines on a worldwide basis. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2015, subject to approval by the shareholders of both companies, regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions.

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_FINANCIA

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Text Block]	AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS – PARENT COMPANY
	DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013



		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Investments in subsidiaries on equity basis	$	6,114,436			$	6,581,368

	Cash and cash equivalents	7,041				4,414

	Other assets	2,642				3,179

	Total assets	$	6,124,119			$	6,588,961


	Liabilities
	Intercompany payable	$	213,149			$	204,877

	Senior notes	—				499,906

	Dividends payable	48,197				47,959

	Other liabilities	41,652				18,257

	Total liabilities	302,998				770,999


	Shareholders’ equity
	Preferred shares	627,843				627,843

	Common shares (2014: 175,478; 2013: 174,134 shares issued	2,191				2,174
	and 2014: 99,426; 2013: 109,485 shares outstanding)
	Additional paid-in capital	2,285,016				2,240,125

	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(45,574		)		117,825

	Retained earnings	5,715,504				5,062,706

	Treasury shares, at cost (2014: 76,052; 2013: 64,649 shares)	(2,763,859		)		(2,232,711		)
	Total shareholders’ equity	5,821,121				5,817,962

	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	6,124,119			$	6,588,961



	-1	On November 15, 2004, AXIS Capital issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior unsecured debt (“Senior Notes”) at an issue price of 99.785%, generating net proceeds of $496 million. Interest of the 5.75% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on June 1, 2005. AXIS Capital repaid the full $500 million of its outstanding 5.75% Senior Notes upon their scheduled maturity of December 1, 2014.


	-2	AXIS Capital has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance LLC, a 100% owned finance subsidiary, related to the issuance of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes. AXIS Capital’s obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and senior and rank equally with all other senior obligations of AXIS Capital.


	-3	AXIS Capital has fully and unconditionally guaranteed all obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance PLC,, a 100% owned finance subsidiary, related to the issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 2.65% and $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.15% senior unsecured notes. AXIS Capital's obligations under this guarantee are unsecured and senior and rank equally with all other senior obligations of AXIS Capital.


	-4	AXIS Capital has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of AXIS Specialty Finance LLC, AXIS Specialty Finance PLC and AXIS Specialty Holdings Bermuda Limited related to the $250 million credit facility issued by a syndication of lenders. At December 31, 2014, debt outstanding under the credit facility was $nil.


	-5	AXIS Capital has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the derivative instrument obligations of certain of its 100% owned operating subsidiaries. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of guaranteed obligations utilized aggregated to $68 million (2013: $28 million).

	SCHEDULE II
	AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – PARENT COMPANY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012



	2014				2013				2012
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Net investment income	$	3			$	5			$	25

Total revenues	3				5				25


Expenses
General and administrative expenses	57,998				40,565				62,293

Interest expense and financing costs	26,749				29,201				29,201

Total expenses	84,747				69,766				91,494


Loss before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(84,744		)		(69,761		)		(91,469		)
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	895,489				797,226				638,710

Net income	810,745				727,465				547,241

Preferred share dividends	40,088				40,474				38,228

Loss on repurchase of preferred shares	—				3,081				14,009

Net income available to common shareholders	$	770,657			$	683,910			$	495,004


Comprehensive income	$	641,165			$	482,668			$	781,701

SCHEDULE II
AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – PARENT COMPANY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012



	2014				2013				2012
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	810,745			$	727,465			$	547,241

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(895,489		)		(797,226		)		(638,710		)
Change in intercompany payable	8,272				(38,375		)		(7,667		)

Dividends received from subsidiaries	724,000				566,000				525,000

Other items	53,865				34,803				56,425

Net cash provided by operating activities	701,393				492,667				482,289


Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital repaid from subsidiary	496,593				—				—

Net cash provided by investing activities	496,593				—				—


Cash flows from financing activities:
Redemption of senior notes	(500,000		)		—				—

Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	—				218,449				393,544

Repurchase of preferred shares	—				(100,000		)		(404,073		)

Repurchase of common shares	(543,202		)		(472,263		)		(317,687		)
Dividends paid - common shares	(117,619		)		(118,426		)		(120,487		)
Dividends paid - preferred shares	(40,088		)		(39,193		)		(38,228		)
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	5,550				20,339				5,120

Net cash used in financing activities	(1,195,359		)		(491,094		)		(481,811		)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,627				1,573				478

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	4,414				2,841				2,363

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	$	7,041			$	4,414			$	2,841


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	28,750			$	28,750			$	28,750

SCHEDULE_III_SUPPLEMENTARY_INS

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION [Text Block]	AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION




			At and year ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)		Deferred		Reserve		Unearned		Net		Net		Losses		Amortization		Other		Net
			Acquisition		for Losses		Premiums		Premiums		Investment		And Loss		of Deferred		Operating		Premiums
			Costs		and Loss				Earned		Income(1)		Expenses		Acquisition		Expenses(2)		Written
					Expenses										Costs
	Insurance		$	135,111	$	5,063,147	$	1,506,925	$	1,830,544	$	—	$	1,131,880	$	278,804	$	341,214	$	1,779,501

	Reinsurance		331,876		4,533,650		1,228,451		2,040,455		—		1,054,842		458,393		144,987		2,127,474

	Corporate		—		—		—		—		342,766		—		—		135,675		—

	Total		$	466,987	$	9,596,797	$	2,735,376	$	3,870,999	$	342,766	$	2,186,722	$	737,197	$	621,876	$	3,906,975


			At and year ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)		Deferred		Reserve		Unearned		Net		Net		Losses		Amortization		Other		Net
			Acquisition		for Losses		Premiums		Premiums		Investment		And Loss		of Deferred		Operating		Premiums
			Costs		and Loss				Earned		Income(1)		Expenses		Acquisition		Expenses(2)		Written
					Expenses										Costs
	Insurance		$	150,109	$	4,873,184	$	1,548,653	$	1,722,762	$	—	$	1,050,402	$	242,363	$	347,684	$	1,813,538

	Reinsurance		306,013		4,708,956		1,135,196		1,984,303		—		1,083,793		421,828		137,450		2,114,662

	Corporate		—		—		—		—		409,312		—		—		90,256		—

	Total		$	456,122	$	9,582,140	$	2,683,849	$	3,707,065	$	409,312	$	2,134,195	$	664,191	$	575,390	$	3,928,200


			At and year ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)		Deferred		Reserve		Unearned		Net		Net		Losses		Amortization		Other		Net
			Acquisition		for Losses		Premiums		Premiums		Investment		And Loss		of Deferred		Operating		Premiums
			Costs		and Loss				Earned		Income(1)		Expenses		Acquisition		Expenses(2)		Written
					Expenses										Costs
	Insurance		$	128,311	$	4,492,553	$	1,456,318	$	1,558,058	$	—	$	953,564	$	226,859	$	314,834	$	1,522,245

	Reinsurance		260,937		4,566,178		998,374		1,857,405		—		1,142,464		400,794		116,487		1,815,211

	Corporate		—		—		—		—		380,957		—		—		129,660		—

	Total		$	389,248	$	9,058,731	$	2,454,692	$	3,415,463	$	380,957	$	2,096,028	$	627,653	$	560,981	$	3,337,456




	-1	As we evaluate the underwriting results of each of our reportable segments separately from the results of our investment portfolio, we do not allocate net investment income to our reportable segments.

	-2	Amounts related to our reportable segments reflect underwriting-related general and administrative expenses, including those incurred directly by segment personnel and certain corporate overhead costs allocated based on estimated consumption, headcount and other variables deemed relevant. Other corporate overhead costs, which are are not incremental and/or directly attributable to our individual underwriting operations, are not allocated to our reportable segments and are presented separately as corporate expenses.

SCHEDULE_IV_SUPPLEMENTARY_REIN

SCHEDULE IV - SUPPLEMENTARY REINSURANCE INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTARY REINSURANCE INFORMATION [Text Block]	AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
	SUPPLEMENTARY REINSURANCE INFORMATION
	YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012



		(in thousands)	DIRECT		CEDED TO		ASSUMED		NET		PERCENTAGE
			GROSS		OTHER		FROM		AMOUNT		OF AMOUNT
			PREMIUM		COMPANIES		OTHER				ASSUMED TO
							COMPANIES				NET

		2014
		Property and Casualty	$	1,882,695	$	786,555	$	2,548,174	$	3,644,314	69.9	%

		Accident and Health	127,279		17,989		153,371		262,661		58.4	%

		Total	$	2,009,974	$	804,544	$	2,701,545	$	3,906,975	69.1	%

		2013
		Property and Casualty	$	1,920,203	$	767,374	$	2,508,363	$	3,661,192	68.5	%

		Accident and Health	54,712		1,467		213,763		267,008		80.1	%

		Total	$	1,974,915	$	768,841	$	2,722,126	$	3,928,200	69.3	%

		2012
		Property and Casualty	$	1,765,407	$	800,466	$	2,213,441	$	3,178,382	69.6	%

		Accident and Health	40,480		1,721		120,315		159,074		75.6	%

		Total	$	1,805,887	$	802,187	$	2,333,756	$	3,337,456	69.9	%

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (POLICIES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Policy Text Block [Abstract]
Basis of presentation [Policy Text Block]	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of AXIS Capital, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary.
	Tabular dollar and share amounts are in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts. All amounts are reported in U.S. dollars.
Consolidation/VIEs [Policy Text Block]	All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	A VIE is an entity that either: (a) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE if we have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, based on the following two characteristics: a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Use of estimates [Policy Text Block]	The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While management believes that the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect its best estimates and assumptions, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company’s principal estimates include:


	•	reserve for losses and loss expenses;

	•	reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, including the provision for uncollectible amounts;

	•	gross and net premiums written and net premiums earned;

	•	other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) in the carrying value of available-for-sale investment securities; and

	•	fair value measurements for our financial assets and liabilities.
Investments [Policy Text Block]	Investments available for sale
	Our fixed maturities and equities classified as “available for sale” are reported at fair value at the balance sheet date. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the determination of fair value. The change in fair value (net unrealized gain or loss) on our available for sale investments, net of tax, is included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in shareholders’ equity.
	Net investment income includes interest and dividend income and the amortization of market premiums and discounts and is presented net of investment expenses. Investment income is recognized when earned. Purchases and sales of investments are recorded on a trade-date basis and realized gains/losses on sales of investments are determined based on the specific identification method.
	We recognize investment income from fixed maturities based on the constant effective yield method, which includes an adjustment for estimated principal repayments, if any. The effective yield used to determine the amortization for fixed maturities subject to prepayment risk (e.g. asset-backed, loan-backed and other structured securities) is recalculated and adjusted periodically based upon actual historical and/or projected future cash flows. The adjustments to the yield for highly-rated prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the retrospective method. The adjustments to the yield for other prepayable fixed maturities are accounted for using the prospective method.
	On a quarterly basis, we assess whether unrealized losses on available for sale investments represent impairments that are other than temporary. Several factors are considered in this assessment including, but not limited to: (i) the extent and duration of the decline, (ii) the reason for the decline (e.g. credit spread widening, credit event, foreign exchange rate movements), (iii) the historical and implied future volatility of the fair value, (iv) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (v) the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable.
	A fixed maturity is impaired when the fair value is below its amortized cost. For an impaired fixed maturity where we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the full amount of the impairment is charged to earnings and is included in net realized investment gains (losses). Where we intend to hold the impaired fixed maturity, we estimate the anticipated credit loss of the security and recognize only this portion of the impairment in earnings, with the remaining non-credit related balance of the impairment (i.e. related to interest rates, market conditions, etc.) recognized in AOCI.
	We impair an equity security in an unrealized loss position when we do not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a reasonable period of time to allow for a full recovery. The full impairment is charged to earnings and is included in net realized investment gains (losses).

	Upon recognition of an OTTI, the new cost basis for the security is the previous amortized cost for a fixed maturity or cost for an equity security less the OTTI recognized in earnings. The new cost basis is not adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value; except for fixed maturities whereby the difference between the new cost basis and the expected cash flows is accreted on a quarterly basis to net investment income over the remaining life of the fixed maturity.
	Other investments
	We record other investments at fair value (see Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements), with both changes in fair value and realized gains/losses reported in net investment income.
	Short-term investments
	Short-term investments primarily comprise highly-liquid debt securities with maturities greater than three months but less than one year from the date of purchase. These investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Cash and cash equivalents [Policy Text Block]	Cash equivalents include money-market funds and fixed interest deposits placed with a maturity of under 90 days when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term, liquid nature of these securities. Our restricted cash balance primarily relates to funds held in trust in support of our obligations in regulatory jurisdictions where we operate as a non-admitted carrier.
Premiums (gross premiums written) [Policy Text Block]	Insurance premiums written are recorded in accordance with the terms of the underlying policies. Reinsurance premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract and are estimated based upon information received from ceding companies. For multi-year contracts where (re)insurance premiums are payable in annual installments, premiums are recorded at the inception of the contract based on management’s best estimate of total premiums to be received. However, premiums are normally recognized on an annual basis for multi-year contracts where the cedant has the ability to unilaterally commute or cancel coverage within the term of the policy. The remaining annual premiums are included as written at each successive anniversary date within the multi-year term.
	Any subsequent differences arising on insurance and reinsurance premium estimates are recorded in the period they are determined.
Premiums (net premiums earned) [Policy Text Block]	(Re)insurance premiums are earned evenly over the period during which we are exposed to the underlying risk, which is generally one to two years with the exception of multi-year contracts. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired risks under contracts in force.
	Reinstatement premiums are recognized and earned at the time a loss event occurs, where the coverage limits for the remaining life of the contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms. The accrual of reinstatement premiums is based on our estimate of losses and loss adjustment expenses, which reflects management’s judgment, as described in Note 2(d) – Losses and Loss Expenses below.
Premiums (receivables) [Policy Text Block]	Premiums receivable balances are reviewed for impairment at least quarterly and an allowance is established for amounts considered uncollectible. The need for charge-off of any amounts previously reserved as uncollectible is assessed on a quarterly basis.
Acquisition costs [Policy Text Block]	Acquisition costs vary with and are directly related to the acquisition of (re)insurance contracts and consist primarily of fees and commissions paid to brokers and premium taxes. Premiums receivable are presented net of applicable acquisition costs when contract terms provide for the right of offset. Acquisition costs are shown net of commissions earned on ceded reinsurance. Our net acquisition costs are deferred and charged to expense as the related premium is earned.
	Anticipated losses and loss expenses, other costs and investment income related to these premiums are considered in assessing the recoverability of our deferred acquisition costs. If deferred amounts are estimated to be unrecoverable, they are expensed. Compensation expenses for personnel involved in contract acquisition, as well as advertising costs, are expensed as incurred.
Losses and loss expenses [Policy Text Block]	Our reserve for losses and loss expenses represents an estimate of the unpaid portion of our ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses for (re)insured events that have occurred at or before the balance sheet date. The balance reflects both claims that have been reported to us (“case reserves”) and claims that have been incurred but not yet reported to us (“IBNR”). These amounts are reduced for estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation recoveries.
	We review our reserve for losses and loss expenses on a quarterly basis. Case reserves are primarily established based on amounts reported from insureds and/or their brokers. Management estimates IBNR after reviewing detailed actuarial analyses and applying informed judgment regarding qualitative factors that may not be fully captured in the actuarial estimates. A variety of actuarial methods are utilized in this process, including the Expected Loss Ratio, Bornhuetter-Ferguson and Chain Ladder methods. Our estimate is highly dependent on management’s judgment as to which method(s) are most appropriate for a particular accident year and class of business. Our historical claims data is often supplemented with industry benchmarks when applying these methodologies.
	Any adjustments to our previous reserve for losses and loss expenses estimates are recognized in the period they are determined. While we believe that our reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate, this estimate requires significant judgment and new information, events or circumstances may result in ultimate losses that are materially greater or less than provided for in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Reinsurance [Policy Text Block]	In the normal course of business, we purchase reinsurance protection to limit our ultimate losses from catastrophic events and to reduce our loss aggregation risk. The premiums paid to our reinsurers (i.e. premiums ceded) are expensed over the coverage period. Prepaid reinsurance premiums represent the portion of premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of the contracts in force. Reinstatement-related premiums ceded are recorded at the time a loss event occurs and our coverage limits for the remaining life of a contract are reinstated under pre-defined contract terms; such premiums are expensed over the remaining risk period.
	Reinsurance recoverable related to our case reserves is estimated on a case-by-case basis by applying the terms of any applicable reinsurance coverage to our individual case reserve estimates. Our estimate of reinsurance recoverable related to our IBNR reserves is generally developed as part of our loss reserving process.
	Our reinsurance recoverable is presented net of a provision for uncollectible amounts, reflecting the amount we believe will ultimately not be recovered due to reinsurer insolvency, contractual disputes and/or some other reason. We apply case-specific provisions against certain recoveries that we deem unlikely to be collected in full. In addition, we use a default analysis to estimate our provision for uncollectible amounts on the remainder of the balance.
	The estimates of our reinsurance recoverable and the associated provision require management’s judgment and are reviewed in detail on a quarterly basis. Any adjustments to amounts recognized in prior periods are reported in our net losses and loss expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period when the adjustments were identified. The charge-off of amounts previously reserved as uncollectible is also considered on a case-by-case basis as part of this quarterly process.
Foreign exchange [Policy Text Block]	The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. In translating the financial statements of our subsidiaries or branches where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are converted into U.S. dollars using the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses are converted using the weighted average foreign exchange rates for the period. The effect of translation adjustments is reported as a separate component of AOCI in shareholders’ equity.
	In recording foreign currency transactions, revenue and expense items are converted to the relevant functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the transaction date. Assets and liabilities originating in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting foreign currency gains or losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with the exception of those related to foreign-denominated available for sale investments. For these investments, exchange rate fluctuations represent an unrealized appreciation/depreciation in the value of the securities and are included in the related component of AOCI.
Share-based compensation [Policy Text Block]	The Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards and units, stock options and other equity-based awards to its employees and directors. The fair value of service-based awards is measured at the grant date, with the associated expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period. The fair value of performance-based awards ("PSUs") is measured at the grant date based on pre-established targets relating to certain performance based measures achieved by the Company, with the associated expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the applicable performance and vesting period. The compensation expense for PSUs is subject to a periodic review and adjustment taking into account actual performance of the Company. The fair value of the liability associated with cash-settled awards is re-measured at each balance sheet date, with the effects recognized as an increase or decrease to share-based compensation expense for the period. Forfeiture benefits are estimated at the time of grant and incorporated in the determination of share-based compensation expense.
Derivatives instruments [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments not Designated as Hedging Instruments
	We may enter into derivative instruments such as futures, options, interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts as part of our overall foreign currency risk management strategy, to obtain exposure to a particular financial market or for yield enhancement. During 2013, we began to write derivative based risk management products designed to address weather and commodity price risks, with the objective of generating profits on a portfolio basis. From time to time we may also enter into (re)insurance contracts that meet the FASB’s definition of a derivative contract.
	We measure all derivative instruments at fair value (see Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements) and recognize them as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value and any realized gains or losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedging Instruments
	We may designate a currency derivative as a hedge of foreign exchange rate-related movements in the fair value of certain investment portfolios. This is referred to as a fair value hedge. Changes in the fair value of the designated fair value hedge, along with the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, along with any hedge ineffectiveness.
	To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, a derivative must be highly effective in mitigating the designated changes in value of the hedged item. Further, the hedge relationship must be designated and formally documented at the inception, detailing the particular risk management objective and strategy for the hedge, including the item and risk that is being hedged, the derivative that is being used, and how effectiveness will be assessed. We formally measure the hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. We evaluate the effectiveness on a retrospective and prospective basis, using the period-to-period dollar offset method. Using this method, if the hedge correlation is within the range of 80% to 125%, we consider the hedge effective and apply hedge accounting. Cash flows from derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments are presented as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Goodwill and intangible assets [Policy Text Block]	We classify intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with finite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization, and (3) goodwill.
	We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives in proportion to the estimated economic benefits of the intangible assets. We also test these assets for impairment if circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. Such circumstances may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. If, as a result of such an evaluation, we determine that the carrying value of the finite-lived intangible assets is not recoverable, the value of the assets will be reduced to fair value with the difference being expensed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Our intangible assets with indefinite lives include licenses held by certain subsidiaries in various jurisdictions that allow such subsidiaries to write insurance and/or reinsurance business. These intangible assets are carried at or below estimated fair value and are tested annually for impairment, either qualitatively or quantitatively, and between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired.

	We have recorded goodwill in connection with certain acquisitions. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is assigned to applicable reporting unit(s) on the acquisition date, based upon the expected benefit to be received by the reporting unit. We determine the expected benefit based on several factors, including the purpose of the business combination, our strategy subsequent to the business combination and the structure of the acquired company subsequent to the business combination. Goodwill is not subject to amortization. We test goodwill for potential impairment during the fourth quarter each year and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to a level below its carrying amount. We have the option to first make this assessment on a qualitative basis. Should we choose to forgo this option, or if our qualitative assessment indicates that fair value is more likely than not below carrying value, we conduct a quantitative two-step impairment evaluation at the reporting unit level. First, we identify potential impairment by comparing the estimated fair values of the reporting units to estimated book values, including goodwill. The fair value of each reporting unit is derived based upon valuation techniques and assumptions that we believe market participants would use to value our business. The estimated fair values are generally determined utilizing methodologies that incorporate discounted cash flow analyses. The values derived from the analyses are then compared to recent market transactions for reasonableness. We derive the net book value of our reporting units by estimating the amount of shareholders’ equity required to support the activities of each reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the estimated book value, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the book value exceeds the estimated fair value, the second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of the goodwill in order to determine the magnitude of impairment to be recognized. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of a reporting unit’s identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole. The excess of the carrying value of goodwill above the implied goodwill, if any, would be recognized as an impairment charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income taxes [Policy Text Block]	Certain subsidiaries and branches of the Company operate in jurisdictions where they are subject to taxation. Current and deferred income taxes are charged or credited to net income, or in certain cases to AOCI, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable in the relevant jurisdiction in the period in which the tax becomes accruable or realizable. Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities used in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and those used in the various jurisdictional tax returns. When our assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized in the foreseeable future, a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded. We recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authorities.
Treasury shares [Policy Text Block]	Common shares repurchased by the Company and not subsequently canceled are classified as treasury shares and are recorded at cost. This results in a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When shares are reissued from treasury, we use the average cost method to determine the cost of the reissued shares. Gains on sales/reissuances of treasury shares are credited to additional paid-in capital, while losses are charged to additional paid-in capital to the extent that previous net gains from reissued treasury shares were included therein; otherwise losses are charged to retained earnings.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

	Revenue From Contracts With Customers

	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on revenue recognition affecting any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (for example, insurance contracts are not in scope of the new guidance). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

	Share-Based Compensation

	In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for share-based payments where a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period has ended, requiring that compensation costs be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and to represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. As the new guidance was issued to clarify treatment where there was divergence in accounting practice, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to impact our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

	Consolidation

	In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance making changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model for consolidation. This new guidance could lead to changes in consolidation conclusions. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_TABLES

SEGMENT INFORMATION (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
UNDERWRITING RESULTS OF REPORTABLE SEGMENTS [Table Text Block]


		At and year ended December 31, 2014	Insurance				Reinsurance				Total

		Gross premiums written	$	2,535,415			$	2,176,104			$	4,711,519

		Net premiums written	1,779,501				2,127,474				3,906,975

		Net premiums earned	1,830,544				2,040,455				3,870,999

		Other insurance related income (loss)	(11		)		661				650

		Net losses and loss expenses	(1,131,880		)		(1,054,842		)		(2,186,722		)
		Acquisition costs	(278,804		)		(458,393		)		(737,197		)
		General and administrative expenses	(341,214		)		(144,987		)		(486,201		)
		Underwriting income	$	78,635			$	382,894			461,529


		Corporate expenses									(135,675		)
		Net investment income									342,766

		Net realized investment gains									132,108

		Foreign exchange gains									104,439

		Interest expense and financing costs									(74,695		)
		Income before income taxes									$	830,472


		Net loss and loss expense ratio	61.8		%		51.7		%		56.5		%
		Acquisition cost ratio	15.2		%		22.5		%		19		%
		General and administrative expense ratio	18.7		%		7.1		%		16.1		%
		Combined ratio	95.7		%		81.3		%		91.6		%

		Goodwill and intangible assets	$	88,960			$	—			$	88,960





		At and year ended December 31, 2013	Insurance				Reinsurance				Total

		Gross premiums written	$	2,559,138			$	2,137,903			$	4,697,041

		Net premiums written	1,813,538				2,114,662				3,928,200

		Net premiums earned	1,722,762				1,984,303				3,707,065

		Other insurance related income	2,436				1,988				4,424

		Net losses and loss expenses	(1,050,402		)		(1,083,793		)		(2,134,195		)
		Acquisition costs	(242,363		)		(421,828		)		(664,191		)
		General and administrative expenses	(347,684		)		(137,450		)		(485,134		)
		Underwriting income	$	84,749			$	343,220			427,969


		Corporate expenses									(90,256		)
		Net investment income									409,312

		Net realized investment gains									75,564

		Foreign exchange losses									(26,143		)
		Interest expense and financing costs									(61,979		)
	Income before income taxes									$	734,467


	Net loss and loss expense ratio	61		%		54.6		%		57.6		%
	Acquisition cost ratio	14.1		%		21.3		%		17.9		%
	General and administrative expense ratio	20.1		%		6.9		%		15.5		%
	Combined ratio	95.2		%		82.8		%		91		%

	Goodwill and intangible assets	$	89,528			$	—			$	89,528





	At and year ended December 31, 2012	Insurance				Reinsurance				Total

	Gross premiums written	$	2,309,481			$	1,830,162			$	4,139,643

	Net premiums written	1,522,245				1,815,211				3,337,456

	Net premiums earned	1,558,058				1,857,405				3,415,463

	Other insurance related income	2,676				—				2,676

	Net losses and loss expenses	(953,564		)		(1,142,464		)		(2,096,028		)
	Acquisition costs	(226,859		)		(400,794		)		(627,653		)
	General and administrative expenses	(314,834		)		(116,487		)		(431,321		)
	Underwriting income	$	65,477			$	197,660			263,137


	Corporate expenses									(129,660		)
	Net investment income									380,957

	Net realized investment gains									127,469

	Foreign exchange losses									(29,512		)
	Interest expense and financing costs									(61,863		)
	Income before income taxes									$	550,528


	Net loss and loss expense ratio	61.2		%		61.5		%		61.4		%
	Acquisition cost ratio	14.6		%		21.6		%		18.4		%
	General and administrative expense ratio	20.2		%		6.3		%		16.4		%
	Combined ratio	96		%		89.4		%		96.2		%

	Goodwill and intangible assets	$	97,493			$	—			$	97,493


GROSS PREMIUMS WRITTEN BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF SUBSIDIARIES [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Bermuda	$	618,273			$	718,904			$	684,588

		Europe	1,784,139				1,699,748				1,561,701

		United States	2,309,107				2,278,389				1,893,354

		Total gross premium written	$	4,711,519			$	4,697,041			$	4,139,643


NET PREMIUMS EARNED BY SEGMENT AND LINE OF BUSINESS [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Insurance
		Property	$	444,197			$	462,364			$	408,943

		Marine	178,229				179,057				171,165

		Terrorism	35,876				39,298				38,605

		Aviation	41,192				48,489				60,363

		Credit and Political Risk	63,095				68,192				87,103

		Professional Lines	629,365				586,200				563,500

		Liability	146,819				110,623				86,873

		Accident and Health	291,771				228,539				141,506

		Total Insurance	1,830,544				1,722,762				1,558,058


		Reinsurance
		Catastrophe	325,307				380,199				375,088

		Property	312,443				350,970				351,470

		Professional Lines	336,058				304,754				297,726

		Credit and Surety	263,013				279,943				277,185

		Motor	268,678				221,844				237,006

		Liability	289,223				234,736				220,874

		Agriculture	164,628				126,490				17,116

		Engineering	61,143				66,243				68,402

		Other	19,962				19,124				12,538

		Total Reinsurance	2,040,455				1,984,303				1,857,405


		Total	$	3,870,999			$	3,707,065			$	3,415,463

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
SCHEDULE OF GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Table Text Block]


			Goodwill			Intangible		Intangible			Total
						assets with an		assets with a
						indefinite life		finite life

		Net balance at December 31, 2012	$	49,635		$	26,036	$	21,822		$	97,493

		Amortization	n/a			n/a		(2,233		)	(2,233		)

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,213		)	—		(2,519		)	(5,732		)

		Net balance at December 31, 2013	46,422			26,036		17,070			89,528

		Amortization	n/a			n/a		(1,982		)	(1,982		)

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	726			—		688			1,414

		Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	47,148		$	26,036	$	15,776		$	88,960


		Gross balance at December 31, 2014	$	42,237		$	26,036	$	35,596		$	103,869

		Accumulated amortization	n/a			n/a		(25,583		)	(25,583		)

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	4,911			—		5,763			10,674

		Net balance at December 31, 2014	$	47,148		$	26,036	$	15,776		$	88,960


	n/a – not applicable

INVESTMENTS_TABLES

INVESTMENTS (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
AMORTIZED COST/COST AND FAIR VALUES OF FIXED MATURITIES AND EQUITIES [Table Text Block]


			Amortized				Gross				Gross				Fair				Non-credit
			Cost or				Unrealized				Unrealized				Value				OTTI
			Cost				Gains				Losses								in AOCI(5)

		At December 31, 2014
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	1,645,068			$	3,337			$	(28,328	)		$	1,620,077			$	—

		Non-U.S. government	1,080,601				7,383				(54,441		)		1,033,543				—

		Corporate debt	4,386,432				40,972				(66,280		)		4,361,124				—

		Agency RMBS(1)	2,241,581				40,762				(4,235		)		2,278,108				—

		CMBS(2)	1,085,618				13,289				(2,019		)		1,096,888				—

		Non-Agency RMBS	71,236				2,765				(915		)		73,086				(889		)

		ABS(3)	1,475,026				2,748				(16,188		)		1,461,586				—

		Municipals(4)	200,411				5,282				(832		)		204,861				—

		Total fixed maturities	$	12,185,973			$	116,538			$	(173,238	)		$	12,129,273			$	(889	)

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	—				—				—				—

		Exchange-traded funds	416,063				43,583				(4,756		)		454,890

		Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	115,585				—				(2,768		)		112,817

		Total equity securities	$	531,648			$	43,583			$	(7,524	)		$	567,707


		At December 31, 2013
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	1,421,245			$	1,405			$	(33,952	)		$	1,388,698			$	—

		Non-U.S. government	1,208,384				17,990				(49,992		)		1,176,382				—

		Corporate debt	3,533,585				84,881				(10,228		)		3,608,238				—

		Agency RMBS(1)	2,485,139				21,979				(58,291		)		2,448,827				—

		CMBS(2)	790,095				11,285				(3,966		)		797,414				—

		Non-Agency RMBS	65,590				2,375				(398		)		67,567				(868		)

		ABS(3)	955,274				6,871				(8,694		)		953,451				—

		Municipals(4)	1,527,834				32,432				(14,516		)		1,545,750				—

		Total fixed maturities	$	11,987,146			$	179,218			$	(180,037	)		$	11,986,327			$	(868	)

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	345,759				98,742				(6,183		)		438,318

		Exchange-traded funds	106,762				32,085				—				138,847

		Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	113,698				11,124				—				124,822

	Total equity securities	$	566,219			$	141,951			$	(6,183	)		$	701,987



-1	Residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) originated by U.S. agencies.

-2	Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).

-3	Asset-backed securities (ABS) include debt tranched securities collateralized primarily by auto loans, student loans, credit cards, and other asset types. This asset class also includes collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs).

-4	Municipals include bonds issued by states, municipalities and political subdivisions.

-5	Represents the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses, adjusted for subsequent sales of securities. It does not include the change in fair value subsequent to the impairment measurement date.
CONTRACTUAL MATURITIES OF FIXED MATURITIES [Table Text Block]


			Amortized				Fair				% of Total
			Cost				Value				Fair Value

		At December 31, 2014
		Maturity
		Due in one year or less	$	424,077			$	423,265			3.5	%

		Due after one year through five years	4,925,780				4,892,411				40.3	%

		Due after five years through ten years	1,755,248				1,695,641				14	%

		Due after ten years	207,407				208,288				1.7	%

			7,312,512				7,219,605				59.5	%

		Agency RMBS	2,241,581				2,278,108				18.8	%

		CMBS	1,085,618				1,096,888				9	%

		Non-Agency RMBS	71,236				73,086				0.6	%

		ABS	1,475,026				1,461,586				12.1	%

		Total	$	12,185,973			$	12,129,273			100	%


		At December 31, 2013
		Maturity
		Due in one year or less	$	710,079			$	717,052			5.9	%

		Due after one year through five years	5,030,728				5,116,060				42.7	%

		Due after five years through ten years	1,852,877				1,791,835				14.9	%

		Due after ten years	97,364				94,121				0.8	%

			7,691,048				7,719,068				64.3	%

		Agency RMBS	2,485,139				2,448,827				20.4	%

		CMBS	790,095				797,414				6.7	%

		Non-Agency RMBS	65,590				67,567				0.6	%

		ABS	955,274				953,451				8	%

		Total	$	11,987,146			$	11,986,327			100	%


FIXED MATURITIES AND EQUITIES IN AN UNREALIZED LOSS POSITION [Table Text Block]


			12 months or greater								Less than 12 months								Total
			Fair				Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized
			Value				Losses				Value				Losses				Value				Losses

		At December 31, 2014
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	388,551			$	(24,319	)		$	786,850			$	(4,009	)		$	1,175,401			$	(28,328	)

		Non-U.S. government	143,602				(29,171		)		435,670				(25,270		)		579,272				(54,441		)

		Corporate debt	26,708				(2,221		)		2,199,672				(64,059		)		2,226,380				(66,280		)

		Agency RMBS	259,914				(3,084		)		333,288				(1,151		)		593,202				(4,235		)

		CMBS	68,624				(925		)		256,225				(1,094		)		324,849				(2,019		)

		Non-Agency RMBS	6,689				(613		)		13,442				(302		)		20,131				(915		)

		ABS	425,663				(10,325		)		750,679				(5,863		)		1,176,342				(16,188		)

		Municipals	34,462				(644		)		25,284				(188		)		59,746				(832		)

		Total fixed maturities	$	1,354,213			$	(71,302	)		$	4,801,110			$	(101,936	)		$	6,155,323			$	(173,238	)

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—

		Exchange-traded funds	—				—				91,275				(4,756		)		91,275				(4,756		)

		Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—				—				112,817				(2,768		)		112,817				(2,768		)

		Total equity securities	$	—			$	—			$	204,092			$	(7,524	)		$	204,092			$	(7,524	)


		At December 31, 2013
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	—			$	—			$	982,307			$	(33,952	)		$	982,307			$	(33,952	)

		Non-U.S. government	35,577				(3,430		)		420,622				(46,562		)		456,199				(49,992		)

		Corporate debt	27,696				(802		)		606,592				(9,426		)		634,288				(10,228		)

		Agency RMBS	144,468				(5,247		)		1,478,527				(53,044		)		1,622,995				(58,291		)

		CMBS	13,319				(116		)		298,863				(3,850		)		312,182				(3,966		)

		Non-Agency RMBS	4,287				(315		)		5,319				(83		)		9,606				(398		)

		ABS	37,765				(2,941		)		553,803				(5,753		)		591,568				(8,694		)

		Municipals	8,408				(615		)		543,474				(13,901		)		551,882				(14,516		)

		Total fixed maturities	$	271,520			$	(13,466	)		$	4,889,507			$	(166,571	)		$	5,161,027			$	(180,037	)

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	$	3,499			$	(398	)		$	48,828			$	(5,785	)		$	52,327			$	(6,183	)

		Exchange-traded funds	—				—				—				—				—				—

		Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—				—				—				—				—				—

	Total equity securities	$	3,499			$	(398	)		$	48,828			$	(5,785	)		$	52,327			$	(6,183	)


PORTFOLIO OF OTHER INVESTMENTS [Table Text Block]


			Fair Value							Redemption Frequency		Redemption
										(if currently eligible)		Notice Period

		At December 31, 2014
		Long/short equity funds	$	298,907			31	%		Quarterly, Semi-annually		30-60 days

		Multi-strategy funds	324,020				34	%		Quarterly, Semi-annually		60-95 days

		Event-driven funds	185,899				19	%		Quarterly, Annually		45-60 days

		Leveraged bank loan funds	9,713				1	%		Quarterly		65 days

		Direct lending funds	54,438				6	%		n/a		n/a

		CLO - Equities	92,488				9	%		n/a		n/a

		Total other investments	$	965,465			100	%


		At December 31, 2013
		Long/short equity funds	$	425,444			41	%		Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually		30-60 days

		Multi-strategy funds	285,155				27	%		Quarterly, Semi-annually		60-95 days

		Event-driven funds	190,458				18	%		Quarterly, Annually		45-60 days

		Leveraged bank loan funds	48,753				5	%		Quarterly		65 days

		Direct lending funds	22,134				2	%		n/a		n/a

		CLO - Equities	73,866				7	%		n/a		n/a

		Total other investments	$	1,045,810			100	%


	n/a – not applicable
NET INVESTMENT INCOME [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Fixed maturities	$	296,663			$	293,609			$	304,400

		Other investments	57,621				128,814				87,660

		Equity securities	11,832				10,897				11,904

		Cash and cash equivalents	11,536				6,337				4,528

		Short-term investments	725				1,181				596

		Gross investment income	378,377				440,838				409,088

		Investment expenses	(35,611		)		(31,526		)		(28,131		)
		Net investment income	$	342,766			$	409,312			$	380,957


NET REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Gross realized gains
		Fixed maturities and short-term investments(1)	$	126,023			$	120,932			$	242,082

		Equities	149,783				54,564				36,411

		Gross realized gains	275,806				175,496				278,493

		Gross realized losses
		Fixed maturities and short-term investments	(86,943		)		(87,894		)		(101,844		)
		Equities	(15,925		)		(10,407		)		(23,530		)
		Gross realized losses	(102,868		)		(98,301		)		(125,374		)
		Net OTTI recognized in earnings	(31,227		)		(9,362		)		(24,234		)
		Change in fair value of investment derivatives(2)	(9,603		)		7,731				(9,170		)

		Fair value hedges(2)	—				—				7,754

		Net realized investment gains	$	132,108			$	75,564			$	127,469



	-1	Includes $37 million of gains in 2012 relating to previously unrealized foreign exchange currency amounts on the hedged fixed maturity portfolios. The hedged portfolio was sold and all associated foreign exchange contracts were fully settled during 2012 so there is no impact on the 2013 or 2014 figures.

	-2	Refer to Note 7 – Derivative Instruments
OTTI RECOGNIZED IN EARNINGS BY ASSET CLASS [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Fixed maturities:
		Non-U.S. government	$	17,291			$	120			$	3,281

		Corporate debt	8,107				5,802				1,821

		Non-Agency RMBS	7				57				2,016

		ABS	61				129				795

		Municipals	418				639				—

			25,884				6,747				7,913

		Equity Securities
		Common stocks	741				2,092				7,318

		Exchange-traded funds	4,602				523				9,003

			5,343				2,615				16,321

		Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$	31,227			$	9,362			$	24,234


ROLL FORWARD OF CREDIT LOSSES FOR WHICH A PORTION OF OTTI RECOGNIZED IN AOCI [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013

		Balance at beginning of period	$	1,594			$	1,809

		Credit impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired	—				—

		Additional credit impairments recognized on securities previously impaired	—				—

		Change in timing of future cash flows on securities previously impaired	—				—

		Intent to sell of securities previously impaired	—				—

		Securities sold/redeemed/matured	(63		)		(215		)
		Balance at end of period	$	1,531			$	1,594


RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS [Table Text Block]


		At December 31,		2014				2013

		Collateral in Trust for inter-company agreements		$	2,792,461			$	2,261,081

		Collateral for secured letter of credit facility		468,923				777,828

		Collateral in Trust for third party agreements (1)		567,060				276,839

		Securities on deposit with regulatory authorities		58,476				58,327

		Total restricted investments		$	3,886,920			$	3,374,075



	-1	Includes $245 million of fixed income securities deposited directly with Lloyd's to support the underwriting capacity of the Company's Lloyd's Syndicate, AXIS Syndicate 1686.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_TABLES

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS [Table Text Block]

			Quoted Prices in				Significant				Significant				Total Fair
			Active Markets for				Other Observable				Unobservable				Value
			Identical Assets				Inputs				Inputs
			(Level 1)				(Level 2)				(Level 3)

		At December 31, 2014
		Assets
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	1,497,922			$	122,155			$	—			$	1,620,077

		Non-U.S. government	—				1,033,543				—				1,033,543

		Corporate debt	—				4,345,287				15,837				4,361,124

		Agency RMBS	—				2,278,108				—				2,278,108

		CMBS	—				1,079,125				17,763				1,096,888

		Non-Agency RMBS	—				73,086				—				73,086

		ABS	—				1,421,555				40,031				1,461,586

		Municipals	—				204,861				—				204,861

			1,497,922				10,557,720				73,631				12,129,273

		Equity securities
		Common stocks	—				—				—				—

		Exchange-traded funds	454,890				—				—				454,890

		Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—				112,817				—				112,817

			454,890				112,817				—				567,707

		Other investments
		Hedge funds	—				347,621				470,918				818,539

		Direct lending funds	—				—				54,438				54,438

		CLO-Equities	—				—				92,488				92,488

			—				347,621				617,844				965,465

		Short-term investments	—				107,534				—				107,534

		Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	—				7,153				111				7,264

		Total Assets	$	1,952,812			$	11,132,845			$	691,586			$	13,777,243

		Liabilities
		Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	$	—			$	3,041			$	15,288			$	18,329

		Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	—				20,518				—				20,518

		Total Liabilities	$	—			$	23,559			$	15,288			$	38,847


		At December 31, 2013
		Assets
		Fixed maturities
		U.S. government and agency	$	1,119,632			$	269,066			$	—			$	1,388,698

	Non-U.S. government	—				1,176,382				—				1,176,382

	Corporate debt	—				3,608,238				—				3,608,238

	Agency RMBS	—				2,448,827				—				2,448,827

	CMBS	—				793,396				4,018				797,414

	Non-Agency RMBS	—				67,567				—				67,567

	ABS	—				922,652				30,799				953,451

	Municipals	—				1,545,750				—				1,545,750

		1,119,632				10,831,878				34,817				11,986,327

	Equity securities
	Common stocks	438,318				—				—				438,318

	Exchange-traded funds	138,847				—				—				138,847

	Non-U.S. bond mutual funds	—				124,822				—				124,822

		577,165				124,822				—				701,987

	Other investments
	Hedge funds	—				488,755				461,055				949,810

	Direct lending funds	—				—				22,134				22,134

	CLO-Equities	—				—				73,866				73,866

		—				488,755				557,055				1,045,810

	Short-term investments	—				46,212				—				46,212

	Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	—				6,824				984				7,808

	Total Assets	$	1,696,797			$	11,498,491			$	592,856			$	13,788,144

	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (see Note 7)	$	—			$	1,152			$	815			$	1,967

	Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	—				8,693				—				8,693

	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	9,845			$	815			$	10,660


LEVEL 3 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT INPUTS [Table Text Block]


			Fair Value			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range	Weighted
									Average

		Other investments - CLO Equities	$	37,046		Discounted cash flow	Default rates	4.0% - 5.0%	4.30%

							Loss severity rate	53.50%	53.50%
							Collateral spreads	3.0% - 3.5%	3.30%
							Estimated maturity dates	3.1 - 4.2 years	3.8 years

		Derivatives - Weather derivatives, net	$	(15,177	)	Simulation model	Weather curve	32 - 3,370(1)	n/a (2)
							Weather standard deviation	3 - 250(1)	n/a (2)

	(1) Measured in Heating Degree Days ("HDD") which is the number of degrees the daily temperature is below a reference temperature. The cumulative HDD for the duration of the derivatives contract is compared to the strike value to determine the necessary settlement.

	-2	Due to the diversity of the portfolio, the range of unobservable inputs is widespread; therefore, presentation of a weighted average is not useful. Weather parameters may include various temperature and/or precipitation measures that will naturally vary by geographic location of each counterparty's operations.
CHANGES IN LEVEL 3 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS [Table Text Block]

			Opening				Transfers				Transfers				Included in				Included				Purchases			Sales			Settlements/				Closing			Change in
			Balance				into				out of				earnings (1)				in OCI (2)										Distributions				Balance			unrealized
							Level 3				Level 3																									investment
																																				gain/loss (3)

		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Fixed maturities
		Corporate debt	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	(95	)		$	15,957		$	—		$	(25	)		$	15,837		$	—

		Non-Agency RMBS	—				—				—				—				—				—			—			—				—			—

		CMBS	4,018				9,447				—				—				1,381				5,027			—			(2,110		)		17,763			—

		ABS	30,799				1,125				(6,165		)		—				2,350				39,800			—			(27,878		)		40,031			—

			34,817				10,572				(6,165		)		—				3,636				60,784			—			(30,013		)		73,631			—

		Other investments
		Hedge funds	461,055				12,355				(32,255		)		24,790				—				19,500			—			(14,527		)		470,918			24,651

		Direct lending funds	22,134				—				—				3,515				—				30,101			—			(1,312		)		54,438			3,515

		CLO-Equities	73,866				—				—				20,173				—				25,941			—			(27,492		)		92,488			20,173

			557,055				12,355				(32,255		)		48,478				—				75,542			—			(43,331		)		617,844			48,339

		Other assets
		Derivative instruments	984				—				—				5,112				—				—			—			(5,985		)		111			101

			984				—				—				5,112				—				—			—			(5,985		)		111			101

		Total assets	$	592,856			$	22,927			$	(38,420	)		$	53,590			$	3,636			$	136,326		$	—		$	(79,329	)		$	691,586		$	48,440



		Other liabilities
		Derivative instruments	815				—				—				10,604				—				12,715			—			(8,846		)		15,288			6,621

		Total liabilities	$	815			$	—			$	—			$	10,604			$	—			$	12,715		$	—		$	(8,846	)		$	15,288		$	6,621


		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Fixed maturities
		Corporate debt	$	1,550			$	—			$	—			$	1,550			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	(3,100	)		$	—		$	—

		Non-Agency RMBS	1,110				—				(1,222		)		—				135				—			—			(23		)		—			—

		CMBS	4,296				—				—				—				(278		)		—			—			—				4,018			—

		ABS	63,975				—				—				(111		)		1,794				—			—			(34,859		)		30,799			—

			70,931				—				(1,222		)		1,439				1,651				—			—			(37,982		)		34,817			—

		Other investments
		Hedge funds	359,996				—				—				58,293				—				86,138			—			(43,372		)		461,055			58,293

		Direct lending funds	—				—				—				(125		)		—				22,317			—			(58		)		22,134			(125		)

		CLO-Equities	62,435				—				—				27,898				—				34,016			—			(50,483		)		73,866			27,898

			422,431				—				—				86,066				—				142,471			—			(93,913		)		557,055			86,066

	Other assets
	Derivative instruments	—				—				—				2,084				—				(1,100		)	—			—				984			2,084

		—				—				—				2,084				—				(1,100		)	—			—				984			2,084

	Total assets	$	493,362			$	—			$	(1,222	)		$	89,589			$	1,651			$	141,371		$	—		$	(131,895	)		$	592,856		$	88,150


	Other liabilities
	Derivative instruments	—				—				—				98				—				717			—			—				815			98

	Total liabilities	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	98			$	—			$	717		$	—		$	—			$	815		$	98



-1	Gains and losses included in earnings on fixed maturities are included in net realized investment gains (losses). Gains and (losses) included in earnings on other investments are included in net investment income. Gains (losses) on weather derivatives included in earnings are included in other insurance-related income.

-2	Gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) on fixed maturities are included in unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period.

-3	Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_TABLES

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
LOCATION AND AMOUNTS OF DERIVATIVE FAIR VALUES ON THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET [Table Text Block]


			At December 31, 2014												At December 31, 2013
			Derivative				Asset				Liability				Derivative				Asset		Liability
			Notional				Derivative				Derivative				Notional				Derivative		Derivative
			Amount				Fair				Fair				Amount				Fair		Fair
							Value(1)				Value(1)								Value(1)		Value(1)

		Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
		Relating to investment portfolio:
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	161,678			$	3,925			$	12			$	254,023			$	1,214	$	1,032

		Interest rate swaps	140,000				—				248				281,250				873		—


		Relating to underwriting portfolio:
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	577,836				3,228				2,781				390,663				4,737		120

		Weather-related contracts	58,124				111				15,288				24,451				984		815

		Total derivatives					$	7,264			$	18,329							$	7,808	$	1,967



	-1	Asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
RECONCILIATION OF GROSS DERIVATIVE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES TO NET AMOUNTS PRESENTED IN BALANCE SHEETS [Table Text Block]

			December 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
			Gross Amounts			Gross Amounts Offset			Net				Gross Amounts			Gross Amounts Offset			Net
									Amounts(1)										Amounts(1)

		Derivative assets	$	15,125		$	(7,861	)	$	7,264			$	9,796		$	(1,988	)	$	7,808

		Derivative liabilities	$	26,190		$	(7,861	)	$	18,329			$	3,955		$	(1,988	)	$	1,967



	-1	Net asset and liability derivatives are classified within other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NET EARNINGS IMPACT OF FAIR VALUE HEDGES AND TOTAL UNREALIZED AND REALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON DERIVATIVES NOT DESIGNATED AS HEDGES RECORDED IN EARNINGS [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012

		Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	—			$	—			$	10,853

		Hedged investment portfolio	—				—				(3,099		)

		Hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings	$	—			$	—			$	7,754





			Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
			in Income on Derivative	Income on Derivative
				2014				2013				2012

		Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
		Relating to investment portfolio:
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	Net realized investment gains	$	10,333			$	10,843			$	(9,170	)

		Interest rate swaps	Net realized investment gains	(19,936		)		(3,112		)		—

		Relating to underwriting portfolio:
		Foreign exchange forward contracts	Foreign exchange gains (losses)	(10,363		)		1,690				26,612

		Weather-related contracts	Other insurance related income	(5,373		)		1,987				—

		Commodity contracts	Other insurance related income	8,328				—				—

		Total		$	(17,011	)		$	11,408			$	17,442

RESERVE_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_EX1

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
COMPONENTS OF RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES [Table Text Block]


		As of December 31,	2014			2013

		Reserve for reported losses and loss expenses	$	3,285,675		$	3,499,817

		Reserve for losses incurred but not reported	6,311,122			6,082,323

		Reserve for losses and loss expenses	$	9,596,797		$	9,582,140


RECONCILIATION OF BEGINNING AND ENDING GROSS RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES AND NET RESERVE FOR UNPAID LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012

		Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	$	9,582,140		$	9,058,731		$	8,425,045

		Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, beginning of year	(1,900,112		)	(1,825,617		)	(1,736,823		)
		Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	7,682,028			7,233,114			6,688,222


		Net incurred losses and loss expenses related to:
		Current year	2,445,666			2,353,631			2,340,868

		Prior years	(258,944		)	(219,436		)	(244,840		)
			2,186,722			2,134,195			2,096,028

		Net paid losses and loss expenses related to:
		Current year	(387,197		)	(318,006		)	(322,836		)
		Prior years	(1,544,664		)	(1,373,459		)	(1,299,384		)
			(1,931,861		)	(1,691,465		)	(1,622,220		)

		Foreign exchange and other	(230,372		)	6,184			71,084


		Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, end of year	7,706,517			7,682,028			7,233,114

		Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, end of year	1,890,280			1,900,112			1,825,617

		Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	$	9,596,797		$	9,582,140		$	9,058,731


NET PRIOR YEAR RESERVE DEVELOPMENT BY SEGMENT [Table Text Block]


			Insurance			Reinsurance			Total

		Year ended December 31, 2014	$	63,735		$	195,209		$	258,944

		Year ended December 31, 2013	50,355			169,081			219,436

		Year ended December 31, 2012	122,209			122,631			244,840

REINSURANCE_TABLES

REINSURANCE (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
BREAKDOWN OF GROSS AND NET PREMIUMS WRITTEN AND EARNED [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014						2013						2012
			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums			Premiums
			written			earned			written			earned			written			earned

		Gross	$	4,711,519		$	4,652,345		$	4,697,041		$	4,459,269		$	4,139,643		$	4,141,037

		Ceded	(804,544		)	(781,346		)	(768,841		)	(752,204		)	(802,187		)	(725,574		)
		Net	$	3,906,975		$	3,870,999		$	3,928,200		$	3,707,065		$	3,337,456		$	3,415,463

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,

		2015	$	27,609

		2016	23,074

		2017	20,310

		2018	17,511

		2019	15,937

		Later years	36,452

		Total future minimum lease payments	$	140,893

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_TABL

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE [Table Text Block]


		At and year ended December 31,	2014			2013		2012

		Basic earnings per common share
		Net income	$	804,564		$	727,465	$	547,241

		Less: noncontrolling interests	(6,181		)	—		—

		Less: preferred share dividends	40,088			40,474		38,228

		Less: loss on repurchase of preferred shares	—			3,081		14,009

		Net income available to common shareholders	$	770,657		$	683,910	$	495,004

		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	104,368			113,636		122,148

		Basic earnings per common share	$	7.38		$	6.02	$	4.05


		Diluted earnings per common share
		Net income available to common shareholders	$	770,657		$	683,910	$	495,004


		Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	104,368			113,636		122,148

		Stock compensation plans	1,345			1,692		1,506

		Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	105,713			115,328		123,654

		Diluted earnings per common share	$	7.29		$	5.93	$	4


		Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive computation	282			250		614

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_TABLES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
COMMON SHARES ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012

		Shares issued, balance at beginning of year	174,134		171,867			170,159

		Shares issued	1,344		2,267			1,708

		Total shares issued at end of year	175,478		174,134			171,867


		Treasury shares, balance at beginning of year	(64,649	)	(53,947	)		(44,571	)
		Shares repurchased	(11,752	)	(10,830	)		(9,376	)
		Shares reissued from treasury	349		128			—

		Total treasury shares at end of year	(76,052	)	(64,649	)		(53,947	)

		Total shares outstanding	99,426		109,485			117,920


SHARE REPURCHASES [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014			2013				2012

		In the open market:
		Total shares	11,317			7,362				6,057

		Total cost	$	524,168		$	337,083			$	203,704

		Average price per share(1)	$	46.32		$	45.79			$	33.63


		From employees:(2)
		Total shares	435			468				319

		Total cost	$	19,034		$	19,080			$	10,483

		Average price per share(1)	$	43.82		$	40.75			$	32.85


		From founding shareholder:(3)
		Total shares	—			3,000				3,000

		Total cost	$	—		$	116,100			$	103,500

		Average price per share(1)	$	—		$	38.7			$	34.5


		Total
		Total shares	11,752			10,830				9,376

		Total cost	$	543,202		$	472,263			$	317,687

		Average price per share(1)	$	46.22		$	43.61			$	33.88



	-1	Calculated using whole figures.

	-2	To satisfy withholding tax liabilities upon vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and exercise of stock options. Share repurchases from employees are excluded from the authorized share repurchase plans noted above.

	-3	Represents privately negotiated repurchases of 3,000,000 of our common shares from Trident II, L.P and affiliated entities in both 2013 and 2012.

NONCONTROLLING_INTEREST_TABLES

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
RECONCILIATION OF BEGINNING AND ENDING BALANCES OF NONCONTROLLING INTEREST [Table Text Block]

			Total
			2014

		Balance at January 1, 2014	$	50,000

		Increase from issuance of preferred equity to noncontrolling interests	25,000

		Decrease from return of capital to noncontrolling interests	(10,000		)
		Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	(6,181		)
		Balance at December 31, 2014	$	58,819

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_TABLES

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
RECONCILIATION OF BEGINNING AND ENDING BALANCE OF NONVESTED RESTRICTED STOCK (INCLUDING RSUS) TO BE SETTLED IN SHARES [Table Text Block]


			Performance-based Stock Awards				Service-based Stock Awards
			Number of		Weighted Average		Number of			Weighted Average
			Restricted		Grant Date		Restricted			Grant Date
			Stock		Fair Value		Stock			Fair Value

		Nonvested restricted stock - beginning of year	283		$	35.74	3,430			$	34.72

		Granted	68		44.33		1,053			44.47

		Vested	—		—		(1,474	)		33.83

		Forfeited	(4	)	44.33		(241	)		36.96

		Nonvested restricted stock - end of year	347		$	37.34	2,768			$	38.7


	(1) Fair value is based on the closing price of our common shares on the New York Stock Exchange on the day of the grant.
SUMMARY OF STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE AND RELATED ACTIVITY FOR PERIOD [Table Text Block]


			Number		Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			of Stock		Average		Average		Intrinsic
			Options		Exercise		Remaining		Value(1)
					Price		Contractual
							Term

		Outstanding and exercisable - beginning of year	213		$	27.98

		Granted	—		—

		Exercised	(193	)	27.97

		Expired	—		—

		Outstanding and exercisable - end of year	20		$	28.02	0		$	461



	-1	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price at December 31, 2014 and the exercisable price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money-options) that would have been received by the stock option holder had all stock option holders exercised their stock options on December 31, 2014.

INCOME_TAXES_TABLES

INCOME TAXES (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]
SCHEDULE OF INCOME TAX EXPENSE AND NET TAX ASSETS [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012

		Current income tax expense (benefit)
		United States	$	8,411		$	12,466		$	4,931

		Europe	16,582			9,039			8,566

		Other	1			—			(174		)

		Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
		United States	1,313			(13,976		)	(10,749		)

		Europe	(399		)	(526		)	713

		Other	—			(1		)	—

		Total income tax expense	$	25,908		$	7,002		$	3,287


		Net current tax receivables (payables)	$	(11,203	)	$	5,689		$	1,164

		Net deferred tax assets	89,405			80,258			52,794


		Net tax assets	$	78,202		$	85,947		$	53,958


SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES [Table Text Block]


		At December 31,	2014			2013

		Deferred tax assets:
		Discounting of loss reserves	$	59,852		$	59,023

		Unearned premiums	39,661			39,146

		Operating loss carryforwards	26,016			20,316

		Accruals not currently deductible	44,082			39,018

		Other investment adjustments and impairments	4,001			7,859

		Tax credits	15,412			11,886

		Depreciation	—			2,410

		Other deferred tax assets	1,324			2,906

		Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	190,348			182,564

		Valuation allowance	(34,094		)	(25,542		)
		Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	156,254			157,022


		Deferred tax liabilities:
		Deferred acquisition costs	(37,712		)	(37,226		)
		Net unrealized gains on investments	(12,792		)	(23,200		)
		Amortization of intangible assets and goodwill	(10,778		)	(10,059		)
		Accrued market discounts	(707		)	(1,151		)
		Equalization reserves	(3,554		)	(2,080		)
		Other deferred tax liabilities	(1,306		)	(3,048		)
		Deferred tax liabilities	(66,849		)	(76,764		)
		Net deferred tax assets	$	89,405		$	80,258


VALUATION ALLOWANCE ROLL FORWARD [Table Text Block]


		At December 31,	2014			2013

		Income tax expense:
		Valuation allowance - beginning of year	$	27,070		$	33,933

		Operating loss carryforwards	3,044			(794		)

		Capital loss carryforwards	1,262			—

		Foreign tax credit	3,194			1,762

		Australian CTA and accruals and rate differentials	1,052			—

		Change in investment-related items	(757		)	(7,831		)
		Valuation allowance - end of year	34,865			27,070


		Accumulated other comprehensive income:
		Valuation allowance - beginning of year	(1,528		)	(9,359		)
		Change in investment-related items	757			7,831

		Valuation allowance - end of year	(771		)	(1,528		)

		Total valuation allowance - end of year	$	34,094		$	25,542


EFFECTIVE TAX RATE RECONCILIATION [Table Text Block]


		Year ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012

		Income before income taxes
		Bermuda (domestic)	$	690,517		$	625,490		$	485,613

		Foreign	139,955			108,977			64,915

		Total income before income taxes	$	830,472		$	734,467		$	550,528


		Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes)
		Expected tax rate	0		%	0		%	0		%
		Foreign taxes at local expected rates:
		United States	1.8		%	2.1		%	0.4		%
		Europe	1.5		%	1		%	1.4		%
		Other	—		%	0.3		%	—		%
		Valuation allowance	1.1		%	(0.7		)%	0.6		%
		Net tax exempt income	(0.7		)%	(1.3		)%	(1.5		)%
		Other	(0.6		)%	(0.4		)%	(0.3		)%
		Actual tax rate	3.1		%	1		%	0.6		%

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS1

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
TAX EFFECTS ALLOCATED TO EACH COMPONENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Table Text Block]

			Before Tax Amount				Tax (Expense) Benefit				Net of Tax Amount

		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Available for sale investments:
		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year	$	(22,704	)		$	(15,963	)		$	(38,667	)
		Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	(141,172		)		26,702				(114,470		)

		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	(163,876		)		10,739				(153,137		)

		Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	—				—				—

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	(10,262		)		—				(10,262		)

		Total other comprehensive loss	$	(174,138	)		$	10,739			$	(163,399	)


		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Available for sale investments:
		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year	$	(169,614	)		$	7,782			$	(161,832	)

		Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	(67,156		)		5,605				(61,551		)

		Unrealized investment losses arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	(236,770		)		13,387				(223,383		)

		Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	—				—				—

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21,414		)		—				(21,414		)

		Total other comprehensive loss	$	(258,184	)		$	13,387			$	(244,797	)


		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Available for sale investments:
		Unrealized investment gains arising during the year	$	378,040			$	(29,530	)		$	348,510

		Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	(127,828		)		11,550				(116,278		)

		Unrealized investment gains arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	250,212				(17,980		)		232,232

		Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	—				—				—

		Foreign currency translation adjustment	510				—				510

		Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity and reclassification adjustment	1,718				—				1,718

		Total other comprehensive income	$	252,440			$	(17,980	)		$	234,460


RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF AOCI INTO NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS [Table Text Block]

				Amount Reclassified from AOCI(1)
		Details About AOCI Components	Consolidated Statement of Operations Line Item That Includes Reclassification	Year ended December 31,
				2014				2013				2012

		Unrealized appreciation on available for sale investments
			Other realized investment gains	$	172,399			$	76,518			$	152,062

			OTTI losses	(31,227		)		(9,362		)		(24,234		)
			Total before tax	141,172				67,156				127,828

			Tax expense	(26,702		)		(5,605		)		(11,550		)
			Net of tax	$	114,470			$	61,551			$	116,278


		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs)
		Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations	General and administrative expenses	$	—			$	—			$	(1,718	)

			Tax benefit	—				—				—

			Net of tax	$	—			$	—			$	(1,718	)



	-1	Amounts in parentheses are debits to net income available to common shareholders

STATUTORY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO1

STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]
STATUTORY CAPITAL AND SURPLUS BY JURISDICTION [Table Text Block]


			Bermuda				Ireland				United States
		At December 31,	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013

		Required statutory capital and surplus	$	1,972,951	$	1,996,794	$	299,758	$	315,258	$	415,011	$	385,651

		Available statutory capital and surplus	$	3,729,925	$	3,839,840	$	788,882	$	792,427	$	1,443,032	$	1,348,861

UNAUDITED_CONDENSED_QUARTERLY_1

UNAUDITED CONDENSED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (TABLES)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
UNAUDITED SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS [Table Text Block]


		Quarters ended	31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep			31-Dec

		2014
		Net premiums earned	$	945,949	$	1,000,400	$	966,138		$	958,517

		Net investment income	82,744		114,867		66,562			78,595

		Net realized investment gains	10,620		33,261		77,448			10,779

		Underwriting income	108,766		126,581		113,464			112,720

		Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	147,249		200,686		289,126			173,685

		Net income available to common shareholders	137,227		190,664		279,104			163,663

		Earnings per common share - basic	$	1.26	$	1.81	$	2.71		$	1.63

		Earnings per common share - diluted	$	1.24	$	1.79	$	2.68		$	1.6


		2013
		Net premiums earned	$	874,039	$	945,873	$	945,242		$	941,911

		Net investment income	108,908		83,112		103,429			113,863

		Net realized investment gains (losses)	44,478		16,235		(4,708		)	19,558

		Underwriting income	170,799		9,921		153,088			94,159

		Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	311,557		83,725		150,635			181,546

		Net income available to common shareholders	302,816		72,447		137,121			171,524

		Earnings per common share - basic	$	2.59	$	0.63	$	1.23		$	1.55

		Earnings per common share - diluted	$	2.55	$	0.62	$	1.21		$	1.52

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_DETAILS

SEGMENT INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	reportable_segment	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments									2
Gross premiums written									$4,711,519	$4,697,041	$4,139,643
Net premiums written									3,906,975	3,928,200	3,337,456
Net premiums earned	958,517	966,138	1,000,400	945,949	941,911	945,242	945,873	874,039	3,870,999	3,707,065	3,415,463
Other insurance related income (loss)									650	4,424	2,676
Net losses and loss expenses									-2,186,722	-2,134,195	-2,096,028
Acquisition costs									-737,197	-664,191	-627,653
General and administrative expenses									-621,876	-575,390	-560,981
Underwriting income	112,720	113,464	126,581	108,766	94,159	153,088	9,921	170,799
Net investment income	78,595	66,562	114,867	82,744	113,863	103,429	83,112	108,908	342,766	409,312	380,957
Net realized investment gains	10,779	77,448	33,261	10,620	19,558	-4,708	16,235	44,478	132,108	75,564	127,469
Foreign exchange (losses) gains									104,439	-26,143	-29,512
Interest expense and financing costs									-74,695	-61,979	-61,863
Income before income taxes									830,472	734,467	550,528
Net loss and loss expense ratio									56.50%	57.60%	61.40%
Acquisition cost ratio									19.00%	17.90%	18.40%
General and administrative expense ratio									16.10%	15.50%	16.40%
Combined ratio									91.60%	91.00%	96.20%
Goodwill and intangible assets	88,960				89,528				88,960	89,528	97,493
Insurance [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									1,830,544	1,722,762	1,558,058
Reinsurance [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									2,040,455	1,984,303	1,857,405
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									4,711,519	4,697,041	4,139,643
Net premiums written									3,906,975	3,928,200	3,337,456
Net premiums earned									3,870,999	3,707,065	3,415,463
Other insurance related income (loss)									650	4,424	2,676
Net losses and loss expenses									-2,186,722	-2,134,195	-2,096,028
Acquisition costs									-737,197	-664,191	-627,653
General and administrative expenses									-486,201	-485,134	-431,321
Underwriting income									461,529	427,969	263,137
Operating Segments [Member] \| Insurance [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									2,535,415	2,559,138	2,309,481
Net premiums written									1,779,501	1,813,538	1,522,245
Net premiums earned									1,830,544	1,722,762	1,558,058
Other insurance related income (loss)									-11	2,436	2,676
Net losses and loss expenses									-1,131,880	-1,050,402	-953,564
Acquisition costs									-278,804	-242,363	-226,859
General and administrative expenses									-341,214	-347,684	-314,834
Underwriting income									78,635	84,749	65,477
Net loss and loss expense ratio									61.80%	61.00%	61.20%
Acquisition cost ratio									15.20%	14.10%	14.60%
General and administrative expense ratio									18.70%	20.10%	20.20%
Combined ratio									95.70%	95.20%	96.00%
Goodwill and intangible assets	88,960				89,528				88,960	89,528	97,493
Operating Segments [Member] \| Reinsurance [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written									2,176,104	2,137,903	1,830,162
Net premiums written									2,127,474	2,114,662	1,815,211
Net premiums earned									2,040,455	1,984,303	1,857,405
Other insurance related income (loss)									661	1,988	0
Net losses and loss expenses									-1,054,842	-1,083,793	-1,142,464
Acquisition costs									-458,393	-421,828	-400,794
General and administrative expenses									-144,987	-137,450	-116,487
Underwriting income									382,894	343,220	197,660
Net loss and loss expense ratio									51.70%	54.60%	61.50%
Acquisition cost ratio									22.50%	21.30%	21.60%
General and administrative expense ratio									7.10%	6.90%	6.30%
Combined ratio									81.30%	82.80%	89.40%
Goodwill and intangible assets	0				0				0	0	0
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses									-135,675	-90,256	-129,660
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Information [Line Items]
Net investment income									342,766	409,312	380,957
Net realized investment gains									132,108	75,564	127,469
Foreign exchange (losses) gains									104,439	-26,143	-29,512
Interest expense and financing costs									($74,695)	($61,979)	($61,863)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_DETAILS_2

SEGMENT INFORMATION (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$4,711,519	$4,697,041	$4,139,643
Bermuda [Member]
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	618,273	718,904	684,588
Europe [Member]
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	1,784,139	1,699,748	1,561,701
United States [Member]
Revenues From External Customers By Geographic Location Of Subsidiary [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$2,309,107	$2,278,389	$1,893,354

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_DETAILS_3

SEGMENT INFORMATION (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	$958,517	$966,138	$1,000,400	$945,949	$941,911	$945,242	$945,873	$874,039	$3,870,999	$3,707,065	$3,415,463
Insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									1,830,544	1,722,762	1,558,058
Insurance [Member] \| Property [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									444,197	462,364	408,943
Insurance [Member] \| Marine [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									178,229	179,057	171,165
Insurance [Member] \| Terrorism [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									35,876	39,298	38,605
Insurance [Member] \| Aviation [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									41,192	48,489	60,363
Insurance [Member] \| Credit and political risk [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									63,095	68,192	87,103
Insurance [Member] \| Professional lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									629,365	586,200	563,500
Insurance [Member] \| Liability [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									146,819	110,623	86,873
Insurance [Member] \| Accident and health [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									291,771	228,539	141,506
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									2,040,455	1,984,303	1,857,405
Reinsurance [Member] \| Catastrophe [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									325,307	380,199	375,088
Reinsurance [Member] \| Property [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									312,443	350,970	351,470
Reinsurance [Member] \| Professional lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									336,058	304,754	297,726
Reinsurance [Member] \| Credit and surety [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									263,013	279,943	277,185
Reinsurance [Member] \| Motor [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									268,678	221,844	237,006
Reinsurance [Member] \| Liability [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									289,223	234,736	220,874
Reinsurance [Member] \| Agriculture [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									164,628	126,490	17,116
Reinsurance [Member] \| Engineering [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									61,143	66,243	68,402
Reinsurance [Member] \| Other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									$19,962	$19,124	$12,538

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill net balance, opening	$46,422	$49,635
Foreign currency translation adjustment, goodwill	726	-3,213
Goodwill net balance, closing	47,148	46,422
Goodwill, gross	42,237
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment, goodwill	4,911
Goodwill, net	47,148	46,422
Intangible Assets with an Indefinite Life [Roll Forward]
Intangible assets with an indefinite life net balance, opening	26,036	26,036
Foreign currency translation adjustment, intangible assets with an indefinite life	0	0
Intangible assets with an indefinite life net balance, closing	26,036	26,036
Intangible assets with an indefinite life, gross	26,036
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment, intangible assets with an indefinite life	0
Intangible assets with an indefinite life, net	26,036	26,036
Intangible Assets with a Finite Life [Roll Forward]
Intangible assets with a finite life net balance, opening	17,070	21,822
Amortization, intangible assets with a finite life	-1,982	-2,233
Foreign currency translation adjustment, intangible assets with a finite life	688	-2,519
Intangible assets with a finite life net balance, closing	15,776	17,070
Intangible assets with a finite life, gross	35,596
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets with a finite life	-25,583
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment, intangible assets with a finite life	5,763
Intangible assets with a finite life, net	15,776	17,070
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill and intangible assets net balance, opening	89,528	97,493
Amortization, intangible assets with a finite life	-1,982	-2,233
Foreign currency translation adjustment, goodwill and intangible assets	1,414	-5,732
Goodwill and intangible assets net balance, closing	88,960	89,528
Goodwill and intangible assets, gross	103,869
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets with a finite life	-25,583
Accumulated foreign currency translation, goodwill and intangible assets	10,674
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	$88,960	$89,528

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets with a finite life - future amortization in year one	2
Intangible assets with a finite life - future amortization in year two	2
Intangible assets with a finite life - future amortization in year three	1
Intangible assets with a finite life - future amortization in year four	1
Intangible assets with a finite life - future amortization in year five	1
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets with a finite life - remaining useful life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets with a finite life - remaining useful life	24 years

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$12,185,973	$11,987,146
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	116,538	179,218
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-173,238	-180,037
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	12,129,273	11,986,327
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	-889	-868
Cost	531,648	566,219
Gross Unrealized Gains (equities)	43,583	141,951
Gross Unrealized Losses (equities)	-7,524	-6,183
Fair Value (equities)	567,707	701,987
US Government and Agency [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,645,068	1,421,245
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	3,337	1,405
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-28,328	-33,952
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,620,077	1,388,698
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Non-US Government [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,080,601	1,208,384
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	7,383	17,990
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-54,441	-49,992
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,033,543	1,176,382
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Corporate Debt [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	4,386,432	3,533,585
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	40,972	84,881
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-66,280	-10,228
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	4,361,124	3,608,238
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,241,581	2,485,139
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	40,762	21,979
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-4,235	-58,291
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	2,278,108	2,448,827
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
CMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,085,618	790,095
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	13,289	11,285
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-2,019	-3,966
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,096,888	797,414
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	71,236	65,590
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	2,765	2,375
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-915	-398
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	73,086	67,567
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	-889	-868
ABS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,475,026	955,274
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	2,748	6,871
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-16,188	-8,694
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,461,586	953,451
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Municipals [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	200,411	1,527,834
Gross Unrealized Gains (fixed maturities)	5,282	32,432
Gross Unrealized Losses (fixed maturities)	-832	-14,516
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	204,861	1,545,750
Non-credit OTTI in AOCI	0	0
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	0	345,759
Gross Unrealized Gains (equities)	0	98,742
Gross Unrealized Losses (equities)	0	-6,183
Fair Value (equities)	0	438,318
Exchange-Traded Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	416,063	106,762
Gross Unrealized Gains (equities)	43,583	32,085
Gross Unrealized Losses (equities)	-4,756	0
Fair Value (equities)	454,890	138,847
Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	115,585	113,698
Gross Unrealized Gains (equities)	0	11,124
Gross Unrealized Losses (equities)	-2,768	0
Fair Value (equities)	$112,817	$124,822

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_2

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less (amortized cost)	$424,077	$710,079
Due after one year through five years (amortized cost)	4,925,780	5,030,728
Due after five years through ten years (amortized cost)	1,755,248	1,852,877
Due after ten years (amortized cost)	207,407	97,364
Total fixed maturities with a single maturity date (amortized cost)	7,312,512	7,691,048
Total (amortized cost)	12,185,973	11,987,146
Due in one year or less (fair value)	423,265	717,052
Due after one year through five years (fair value)	4,892,411	5,116,060
Due after five years through ten years (fair value)	1,695,641	1,791,835
Due after ten years (fair value)	208,288	94,121
Total fixed maturities with a single maturity date (fair value)	7,219,605	7,719,068
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	12,129,273	11,986,327
Due in one year or less (% of total fair value)	3.50%	5.90%
Due after one year through five years (% of total fair value)	40.30%	42.70%
Due after five years through ten years (% of total fair value)	14.00%	14.90%
Due after ten years (% of total fair value)	1.70%	0.80%
Fixed maturities with single maturity date (% of total fair value)	59.50%	64.30%
Total	100.00%	100.00%
Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (amortized cost)	2,241,581	2,485,139
Total (amortized cost)	2,241,581	2,485,139
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (fair value)	2,278,108	2,448,827
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	2,278,108	2,448,827
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (% of total fair value)	18.80%	20.40%
CMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (amortized cost)	1,085,618	790,095
Total (amortized cost)	1,085,618	790,095
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (fair value)	1,096,888	797,414
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,096,888	797,414
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (% of total fair value)	9.00%	6.70%
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (amortized cost)	71,236	65,590
Total (amortized cost)	71,236	65,590
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (fair value)	73,086	67,567
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	73,086	67,567
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (% of total fair value)	0.60%	0.60%
ABS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (amortized cost)	1,475,026	955,274
Total (amortized cost)	1,475,026	955,274
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (fair value)	1,461,586	953,451
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	$1,461,586	$953,451
Fixed maturities without a single maturity date (% of total fair value)	12.10%	8.00%

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_3

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	security	security
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	$1,354,213	$271,520
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-71,302	-13,466
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	4,801,110	4,889,507
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-101,936	-166,571
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	6,155,323	5,161,027
Total Unrealized Losses	-173,238	-180,037
Number of Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions	1,388	1,127
Number of Available For Sale Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions for 12 Months or Greater	223	99
Fixed Maturities [Member] \| Below Investment Grade or Not Rated [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Total Unrealized Losses	-36,000	-2,000
US Government and Agency [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	388,551	0
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-24,319	0
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	786,850	982,307
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-4,009	-33,952
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	1,175,401	982,307
Total Unrealized Losses	-28,328	-33,952
Non-US Government [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	143,602	35,577
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-29,171	-3,430
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	435,670	420,622
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-25,270	-46,562
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	579,272	456,199
Total Unrealized Losses	-54,441	-49,992
Corporate Debt [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	26,708	27,696
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-2,221	-802
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	2,199,672	606,592
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-64,059	-9,426
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	2,226,380	634,288
Total Unrealized Losses	-66,280	-10,228
Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	259,914	144,468
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-3,084	-5,247
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	333,288	1,478,527
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-1,151	-53,044
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	593,202	1,622,995
Total Unrealized Losses	-4,235	-58,291
CMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	68,624	13,319
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-925	-116
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	256,225	298,863
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-1,094	-3,850
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	324,849	312,182
Total Unrealized Losses	-2,019	-3,966
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	6,689	4,287
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-613	-315
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	13,442	5,319
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-302	-83
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	20,131	9,606
Total Unrealized Losses	-915	-398
ABS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	425,663	37,765
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-10,325	-2,941
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	750,679	553,803
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-5,863	-5,753
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	1,176,342	591,568
Total Unrealized Losses	-16,188	-8,694
Municipals [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	34,462	8,408
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	-644	-615
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	25,284	543,474
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-188	-13,901
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	59,746	551,882
Total Unrealized Losses	-832	-14,516
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	0	3,499
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	0	-398
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	204,092	48,828
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-7,524	-5,785
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	204,092	52,327
Total Unrealized Losses	-7,524	-6,183
Number of Available For Sale Securities In Unrealized Loss Positions	9	63
Number of Available For Sale Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions for 12 Months or Greater	0	9
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	0	3,499
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	0	-398
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	0	48,828
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	0	-5,785
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	0	52,327
Total Unrealized Losses	0	-6,183
Exchange-Traded Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	0	0
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	0	0
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	91,275	0
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-4,756	0
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	91,275	0
Total Unrealized Losses	-4,756	0
Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value - 12 months or greater	0	0
Unrealized Losses - 12 months or greater	0	0
Fair Value - Less than 12 months	112,817	0
Unrealized Losses - Less than 12 months	-2,768	0
Total Fair Value of Securities in Unrealized Loss Position	112,817	0
Total Unrealized Losses	($2,768)	$0

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_4

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	$965,465,000	$1,045,810,000
Percentage of total fair value	100.00%	100.00%
Unfunded commitments related to other investments	123,000,000	168,000,000
Hedge funds [Member] \| Lockup Redemption Restriction [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Fair value of other investments subject to redemption restrictions	87,000,000	99,000,000
Percentage of fair value of other investments subject to redemption restrictions	11.00%	10.00%
Hedge funds [Member] \| Other Redemption Restriction [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Fair value of other investments subject to redemption restrictions	6,000,000	11,000,000
Long/short equity funds [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	298,907,000	425,444,000
Percentage of total fair value	31.00%	41.00%
Redemption frequency	Quarterly, Semi-annually	Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-annually
Long/short equity funds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	30 days	30 days
Long/short equity funds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	60 days	60 days
Multi-strategy funds [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	324,020,000	285,155,000
Percentage of total fair value	34.00%	27.00%
Redemption frequency	Quarterly, Semi-annually	Quarterly, Semi-annually
Optional extension of investment term	3 years
Multi-strategy funds [Member] \| Other Redemption Restriction [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments related to other investments	35,000,000	60,000,000
Multi-strategy funds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	60 days	60 days
Multi-strategy funds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	95 days	95 days
Event driven funds [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	185,899,000	190,458,000
Percentage of total fair value	19.00%	18.00%
Redemption frequency	Quarterly, Annually	Quarterly, Annually
Event driven funds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	45 days	45 days
Event driven funds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Redemption notice period	60 days	60 days
Leveraged bank loan funds [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	9,713,000	48,753,000
Percentage of total fair value	1.00%	5.00%
Redemption frequency	Quarterly	Quarterly
Redemption notice period	65 days	65 days
Direct Lending Funds [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	54,438,000	22,134,000
Percentage of total fair value	6.00%	2.00%
Optional extension of investment term	3 years
Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Other Redemption Restriction [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Fair value of other investments subject to redemption restrictions	54,438,000	22,134,000
Percentage of fair value of other investments subject to redemption restrictions	6.00%	2.00%
Unfunded commitments related to other investments	88,000,000	88,000,000
Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Investment term	5 years
Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Investment term	10 years
CLO-Equities [Member]
Other Investments [Line Items]
Other investments	$92,488,000	$73,866,000
Percentage of total fair value	9.00%	7.00%

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_5

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income									$378,377	$440,838	$409,088
Investment expenses									-35,611	-31,526	-28,131
Net investment income	78,595	66,562	114,867	82,744	113,863	103,429	83,112	108,908	342,766	409,312	380,957
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income									296,663	293,609	304,400
Other Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income									57,621	128,814	87,660
Equity Securities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income									11,832	10,897	11,904
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income									11,536	6,337	4,528
Short-term Investments [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Gross investment income									$725	$1,181	$596

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_6

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 6) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains									$275,806	$175,496	$278,493
Gross realized losses									-102,868	-98,301	-125,374
Net OTTI recognized in earnings									-31,227	-9,362	-24,234
Change in fair value of investment derivatives									-9,603	7,731	-9,170
Fair value hedges									0	0	7,754
Total net realized investment gains	10,779	77,448	33,261	10,620	19,558	-4,708	16,235	44,478	132,108	75,564	127,469
Fixed Maturities And Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains									126,023	120,932	242,082
Gross realized losses									-86,943	-87,894	-101,844
Fixed Maturities And Short-Term Investments [Member] \| Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains											37,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains									149,783	54,564	36,411
Gross realized losses									($15,925)	($10,407)	($23,530)

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_7

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$31,227	$9,362	$24,234
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	25,884	6,747	7,913
Non-US Government [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	17,291	120	3,281
Corporate Debt [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	8,107	5,802	1,821
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	7	57	2,016
ABS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	61	129	795
Municipals [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	418	639	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	5,343	2,615	16,321
Common Stock [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	741	2,092	7,318
Exchange-Traded Funds [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$4,602	$523	$9,003

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_8

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 8) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Credit Losses For Which a Portion of OTTI Was Recognized in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$1,594	$1,809
Credit impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired	0	0
Additional credit impairments recognized on securities previously impaired	0	0
Change in timing of future cash flows on securities previously impaired	0	0
Intent to sell of securities previously impaired	0	0
Securities sold/redeemed/matured	-63	-215
Balance at end of period	$1,531	$1,594

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_9

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	$12,129,273	$11,986,327
Decrease in credit loss impairments due to maturity	63	215
Realized gains on maturity	275,806	175,496	278,493
Non-US Government [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,033,543	1,176,382
Non-US Government [Member] \| eurozone [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	119,000	161,000
CMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	1,096,888	797,414
CMBS [Member] \| Weighted Average [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Subordination percentage input for determining credit losses	30.00%	30.00%
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	73,086	67,567
Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Prime [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	49,000	41,000
Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Alt A [Member]
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value (fixed maturities)	$17,000	$19,000

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_10

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 10) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Collateral in Trust for inter-company agreements	$2,792,461	$2,261,081
Collateral for secured letter of credit facility	468,923	777,828
Collateral in Trust for third party agreements	567,060	276,839
Securities on deposit with regulatory authorities	58,476	58,327
Total restricted investments	3,886,920	3,374,075
Lloyd's [Member]
Restricted Investments [Line Items]
Collateral in Trust for third party agreements	$245,000

INVESTMENTS_DETAILS_11

INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 11) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Value of reverse repurchase agreements	$110	$34
Minimum required collateral for reverse repurchase agreements, expressed as a percentage of loan principal	102.00%

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_DETAIL

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	$12,129,273	$11,986,327
Equity securities	567,707	701,987
Other investments	965,465	1,045,810
Short-term investments	107,534	46,212
Derivative assets (see Note 7)	7,264	7,808
Derivative liabilities (see Note 7)	18,329	1,967
Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	12,129,273	11,986,327
Equity securities	567,707	701,987
Other investments	965,465	1,045,810
Short-term investments	107,534	46,212
Derivative assets (see Note 7)	7,264	7,808
Total assets	13,777,243	13,788,144
Derivative liabilities (see Note 7)	18,329	1,967
Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	20,518	8,693
Total liabilities	38,847	10,660
US Government and Agency [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,620,077	1,388,698
US Government and Agency [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,620,077	1,388,698
Non-US Government [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,033,543	1,176,382
Non-US Government [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,033,543	1,176,382
Corporate Debt [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	4,361,124	3,608,238
Corporate Debt [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	4,361,124	3,608,238
Agency RMBS [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,278,108	2,448,827
Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,278,108	2,448,827
CMBS [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,096,888	797,414
CMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,096,888	797,414
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	73,086	67,567
Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	73,086	67,567
ABS [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,461,586	953,451
ABS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,461,586	953,451
Municipals [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	204,861	1,545,750
Municipals [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	204,861	1,545,750
Common Stock [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	438,318
Common Stock [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	438,318
Exchange-Traded Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	454,890	138,847
Exchange-Traded Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	454,890	138,847
Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	112,817	124,822
Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	112,817	124,822
Hedge funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	818,539	949,810
Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	54,438	22,134
CLO-Equities [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	92,488	73,866
Level 1 [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,497,922	1,119,632
Equity securities	454,890	577,165
Other investments	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Derivative assets (see Note 7)	0	0
Total assets	1,952,812	1,696,797
Derivative liabilities (see Note 7)	0	0
Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| US Government and Agency [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,497,922	1,119,632
Level 1 [Member] \| Non-US Government [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate Debt [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| CMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| ABS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Municipals [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	438,318
Level 1 [Member] \| Exchange-Traded Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	454,890	138,847
Level 1 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| CLO-Equities [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	10,557,720	10,831,878
Equity securities	112,817	124,822
Other investments	347,621	488,755
Short-term investments	107,534	46,212
Derivative assets (see Note 7)	7,153	6,824
Total assets	11,132,845	11,498,491
Derivative liabilities (see Note 7)	3,041	1,152
Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	20,518	8,693
Total liabilities	23,559	9,845
Level 2 [Member] \| US Government and Agency [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	122,155	269,066
Level 2 [Member] \| Non-US Government [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,033,543	1,176,382
Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate Debt [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	4,345,287	3,608,238
Level 2 [Member] \| Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	2,278,108	2,448,827
Level 2 [Member] \| CMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,079,125	793,396
Level 2 [Member] \| Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	73,086	67,567
Level 2 [Member] \| ABS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	1,421,555	922,652
Level 2 [Member] \| Municipals [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	204,861	1,545,750
Level 2 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| Exchange-Traded Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	112,817	124,822
Level 2 [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	347,621	488,755
Level 2 [Member] \| Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| CLO-Equities [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	73,631	34,817
Equity securities	0	0
Other investments	617,844	557,055
Short-term investments	0	0
Derivative assets (see Note 7)	111	984
Total assets	691,586	592,856
Derivative liabilities (see Note 7)	15,288	815
Cash settled awards (see Note 16)	0	0
Total liabilities	15,288	815
Level 3 [Member] \| US Government and Agency [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Non-US Government [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Corporate Debt [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	15,837	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| CMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	17,763	4,018
Level 3 [Member] \| Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| ABS [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	40,031	30,799
Level 3 [Member] \| Municipals [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Exchange-Traded Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Non-U.S. Bond Mutual Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Hedge funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	470,918	461,055
Level 3 [Member] \| Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	54,438	22,134
Level 3 [Member] \| CLO-Equities [Member] \| Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other investments	$92,488	$73,866

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_DETAIL1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fixed maturities	$12,129,273	$11,986,327
Other investments	965,465	1,045,810
Discounted cash flow [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Other Investments - CLO-Equities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Other investments	37,046
Loss severity rate	53.50%
Simulation model [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Net derivative assets	($15,177)
Minimum [Member] \| Discounted cash flow [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Other Investments - CLO-Equities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Default rates	4.00%
Collateral spreads	3.00%
Estimated maturity dates (years)	3 years 1 month 7 days
Minimum [Member] \| Simulation model [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Weather curve	32
Weather standard deviation	3
Maximum [Member] \| Discounted cash flow [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Other Investments - CLO-Equities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Default rates	5.00%
Collateral spreads	3.50%
Estimated maturity dates (years)	4 years 2 months 13 days
Maximum [Member] \| Simulation model [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Weather curve	3,370
Weather standard deviation	250
Weighted Average [Member] \| Discounted cash flow [Member] \| Level 3 [Member] \| Other Investments - CLO-Equities [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Assets Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Default rates	4.30%
Loss severity rate	53.50%
Collateral spreads	3.30%
Estimated maturity dates (years)	3 years 9 months 22 days

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_DETAIL2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$34,817	$70,931
Transfers into Level 3	10,572	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-6,165	-1,222
Included in earnings	0	1,439
Included in OCI	3,636	1,651
Purchases	60,784	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-30,013	-37,982
Balance at end of period	73,631	34,817
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	0	0
Other Investments [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	557,055	422,431
Transfers into Level 3	12,355	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-32,255	0
Included in earnings	48,478	86,066
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	75,542	142,471
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-43,331	-93,913
Balance at end of period	617,844	557,055
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	48,339	86,066
Other Assets [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	984	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	5,112	2,084
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	0	-1,100
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-5,985	0
Balance at end of period	111	984
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	101	2,084
Total Assets [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	592,856	493,362
Transfers into Level 3	22,927	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-38,420	-1,222
Included in earnings	53,590	89,589
Included in OCI	3,636	1,651
Purchases	136,326	141,371
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-79,329	-131,895
Balance at end of period	691,586	592,856
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	48,440	88,150
Total Liabilities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	815	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	10,604	98
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	12,715	717
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-8,846	0
Balance at end of period	15,288	815
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	6,621	98
Corporate Debt [Member] \| Fixed Maturities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	0	1,550
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	0	1,550
Included in OCI	-95	0
Purchases	15,957	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-25	-3,100
Balance at end of period	15,837	0
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	0	0
Non-Agency RMBS [Member] \| Fixed Maturities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	0	1,110
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	-1,222
Included in earnings	0	0
Included in OCI	0	135
Purchases	0	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	0	-23
Balance at end of period	0	0
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	0	0
CMBS [Member] \| Fixed Maturities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	4,018	4,296
Transfers into Level 3	9,447	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	0	0
Included in OCI	1,381	-278
Purchases	5,027	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-2,110	0
Balance at end of period	17,763	4,018
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	0	0
ABS [Member] \| Fixed Maturities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	30,799	63,975
Transfers into Level 3	1,125	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-6,165	0
Included in earnings	0	-111
Included in OCI	2,350	1,794
Purchases	39,800	0
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-27,878	-34,859
Balance at end of period	40,031	30,799
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	0	0
Hedge funds [Member] \| Other Investments [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	461,055	359,996
Transfers into Level 3	12,355	0
Transfers out of Level 3	-32,255	0
Included in earnings	24,790	58,293
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	19,500	86,138
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-14,527	-43,372
Balance at end of period	470,918	461,055
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	24,651	58,293
Direct Lending Funds [Member] \| Other Investments [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	22,134	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	3,515	-125
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	30,101	22,317
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-1,312	-58
Balance at end of period	54,438	22,134
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	3,515	-125
CLO-Equities [Member] \| Other Investments [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	73,866	62,435
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	20,173	27,898
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	25,941	34,016
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-27,492	-50,483
Balance at end of period	92,488	73,866
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	20,173	27,898
Derivative [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	984	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	5,112	2,084
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	0	-1,100
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-5,985	0
Balance at end of period	111	984
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	101	2,084
Derivative [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Changes in Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	815	0
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Included in earnings	10,604	98
Included in OCI	0	0
Purchases	12,715	717
Sales	0	0
Settlements / distributions	-8,846	0
Balance at end of period	15,288	815
Change in unrealized investment gain/(loss) relating to assets held at the reporting date	$6,621	$98

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_DETAIL3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes	$990,790	$995,855
Estimate Of Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes	$1,089,000	$1,073,000

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_DETAILS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Asset Derivative Fair Value	$7,264	$7,808
Liability Derivative Fair Value	18,329	1,967
Other Assets [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Asset Derivative Fair Value	7,264	7,808
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Liability Derivative Fair Value	18,329	1,967
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Derivative Notional Amount	161,678	254,023
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Asset Derivative Fair Value	3,925	1,214
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Liability Derivative Fair Value	12	1,032
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Derivative Notional Amount	140,000	281,250
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Asset Derivative Fair Value	0	873
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Liability Derivative Fair Value	248	0
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Derivative Notional Amount	577,836	390,663
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Asset Derivative Fair Value	3,228	4,737
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Liability Derivative Fair Value	2,781	120
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Derivative Notional Amount	58,124	24,451
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Asset Derivative Fair Value	111	984
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Fair Values on Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Liability Derivative Fair Value	$15,288	$815

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_DETAILS1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative assets - gross amounts	$15,125	$9,796
Derivative assets - gross amounts offset	-7,861	-1,988
Asset Derivative Fair Value	7,264	7,808
Derivative liabilities - gross amounts	26,190	3,955
Derivative liabilities - gross amounts offset	-7,861	-1,988
Liability Derivative Fair Value	$18,329	$1,967

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_DETAILS2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$0	$0	$10,853
Hedged investment portfolio	0	0	-3,099
Hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings	$0	$0	$7,754

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_DETAILS3

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	($17,011)	$11,408	$17,442
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	10,333	10,843	-9,170
Investment Portfolio [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	-19,936	-3,112	0
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses) [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	-10,363	1,690	26,612
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member] \| Other Insurance Related Income [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	-5,373	1,987	0
Underwriting Portfolio [Member] \| Commodity Contract [Member] \| Other Insurance Related Income [Member]
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings for Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges [Line Items]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives not designated as hedges	$8,328	$0	$0

RESERVE_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_EX2

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Reserve for reported losses and loss expenses	$3,285,675	$3,499,817
Reserve for losses incurred but not reported	6,311,122	6,082,323
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	$9,596,797	$9,582,140	$9,058,731	$8,425,045

RESERVE_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_EX3

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Gross Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	$9,582,140	$9,058,731	$8,425,045
Less reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, beginning of year	-1,900,112	-1,825,617	-1,736,823
Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, beginning of year	7,682,028	7,233,114	6,688,222
Net incurred losses and loss expenses related to:
Current year	2,445,666	2,353,631	2,340,868
Prior years	-258,944	-219,436	-244,840
Net incurred losses and loss expenses	2,186,722	2,134,195	2,096,028
Net paid losses and loss expenses related to:
Current year	-387,197	-318,006	-322,836
Prior years	-1,544,664	-1,373,459	-1,299,384
Net paid losses and loss expenses	-1,931,861	-1,691,465	-1,622,220
Foreign exchange and other	-230,372	6,184	71,084
Net reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses, end of year	7,706,517	7,682,028	7,233,114
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses, end of year	1,890,280	1,900,112	1,825,617
Gross reserve for losses and loss expenses, end of year	$9,596,797	$9,582,140	$9,058,731

RESERVE_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_EX4

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Favorable Prior Year Reserve Development [Line Items]
Net favorable prior year reserve development	$258,944	$219,436	$244,840
Insurance [Member]
Net Favorable Prior Year Reserve Development [Line Items]
Net favorable prior year reserve development	63,735	50,355	122,209
Reinsurance [Member]
Net Favorable Prior Year Reserve Development [Line Items]
Net favorable prior year reserve development	$195,209	$169,081	$122,631

RESERVE_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_EX5

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Current year net loss and loss expenses	$2,445,666	$2,353,631	$2,340,868
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development	258,944	219,436	244,840
Short Tail Lines Insurance and Reinsurance Business [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development	207,000	162,000	186,000
Professional Lines Insurance and Reinsurance Business [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development	32,000	-29,000	54,000
Professional Lines Insurance Business [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development		-51,000
Liability Reinsurance Business [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development	21,000	85,000
Liability Insurance Business [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development	-23,000	-24,000
Motor Business [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Net favorable (adverse) prior year reserve development	19,000
Catastrophe and Weather-related Events [Member]
Additional Information Related to Net Incurred Losses [Line Items]
Current year net loss and loss expenses	$93,000	$201,000	$438,000

REINSURANCE_DETAILS

REINSURANCE (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
REINSURANCE (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Premiums written:
Gross									$4,711,519,000	$4,697,041,000	$4,139,643,000
Ceded									-804,544,000	-768,841,000	-802,187,000
Net									3,906,975,000	3,928,200,000	3,337,456,000
Premiums earned:
Gross									4,652,345,000	4,459,269,000	4,141,037,000
Ceded									-781,346,000	-752,204,000	-725,574,000
Net	958,517,000	966,138,000	1,000,400,000	945,949,000	941,911,000	945,242,000	945,873,000	874,039,000	3,870,999,000	3,707,065,000	3,415,463,000
Reinsurance receivables:
Ceded losses and loss expenses									401,000,000	415,000,000	396,000,000
Provision for unrecoverable reinsurance	$18,000,000				$18,000,000				$18,000,000	$18,000,000
AM Best A minus Or Better Rating [Member] \| Gross Reinsurance Recoverable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of gross reinsurance recoverables collectible from reinsurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best									98.50%	98.80%

DEBT_AND_FINANCING_ARRANGEMENT1

DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 01, 2014	Nov. 15, 2004	Mar. 23, 2010	Mar. 13, 2014
Senior notes [Line Items]
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes	$494,344,000	$0	$0
Redemption of senior notes	500,000,000	0	0
Senior Notes [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Interest Expense	72,000,000	59,000,000	59,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| 2004 AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Senior Notes [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Face amount				500,000,000
Interest rate				5.75%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)					99.79%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes					496,000,000
Redemption of senior notes				500,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| 2010 AXIS Capital Finance LLC Senior Notes [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Face amount	500,000,000
Interest rate	5.88%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)						99.62%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes						495,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2019 Axis Specialty Finance PLC 2014 [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Face amount	250,000,000
Interest rate	2.65%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)							99.90%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes							248,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2045 Axis Specialty Finance PLC 2014 [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Face amount	250,000,000
Interest rate	5.15%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)							99.47%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes							$246,000,000
AXIS Specialty Finance LLC [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%
AXIS Specialty Finance PLC [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Senior notes [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%

DEBT_AND_FINANCIING_ARRANGEMEN

DEBT AND FINANCIING ARRANGEMENTS (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Letter of Credit Facility [Member] \| Citibank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum capacity	$750
Termination notice requirement for lender after agreed date	30 days
Letters of credit outstanding	423
Letter of Credit Facility [Member] \| ING [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum capacity	0
Credit Facility [Member] \| Syndication of Lenders [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum capacity	250
Potential increase in maximum capacity	150
Letters of credit outstanding	0
Credit facility borrowings	$0

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Fixed maturity portfolio - corporate issuer concentration limit above A-	2.00%
Fixed maturity portfolio - corporate issuer concentration limit below A-	1.00%
Premiums receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$4	$3

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (DETAILS 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	broker	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Recoverable On Unpaid And Paid Losses [Member] \| Credit Risk Concentration [Member] \| Reinsurer 1 [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	13.00%	14.00%
Reinsurance Recoverable On Unpaid And Paid Losses [Member] \| Credit Risk Concentration [Member] \| Reinsurer 2 [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	11.00%	11.00%
Reinsurance Recoverable On Unpaid And Paid Losses [Member] \| Credit Risk Concentration [Member] \| Reinsurer 3 [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	11.00%	11.00%
Reinsurance Recoverable On Unpaid And Paid Losses [Member] \| Credit Risk Concentration [Member] \| Top Ten Reinsurers [Member] \| AM Best, A+ Rating [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	77.00%	77.00%
Gross Premiums Written [Member] \| Customer Concentration [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	56.00%	61.00%	61.00%
Concentration risk, number of brokers exceeding threshold	3
Gross Premiums Written [Member] \| Customer Concentration [Member] \| Aon Corporation [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	22.00%	26.00%	27.00%
Gross Premiums Written [Member] \| Customer Concentration [Member] \| Marsh, Inc. [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	22.00%	23.00%	22.00%
Gross Premiums Written [Member] \| Customer Concentration [Member] \| Willis Group Holdings Ltd. [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage of total	12.00%	12.00%	12.00%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense related to operating leases	$27,000,000	$29,000,000	$29,000,000
Office Space [Member]
Future minimum lease payments under operating leases [Line Items]
2015	27,609,000
2016	23,074,000
2017	20,310,000
2018	17,511,000
2019	15,937,000
Later years	36,452,000
Total future minimum lease payments	$140,893,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments related to other investments	$123	$168
Minimum reinsurance premiums [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Outstanding purchase commitment	78
Outstanding purchase commitment, due in 2015	67
Outstanding purchase commitment, due in 2016	11
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Outstanding purchase commitment	$25

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_DETA

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic earnings per common share
Net income									$804,564	$727,465	$547,241
Less: noncontrolling interests									-6,181	0	0
Less: preferred share dividends									40,088	40,474	38,228
Less: loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	3,081	14,009
Net income available to common shareholders	163,663	279,104	190,664	137,227	171,524	137,121	72,447	302,816	770,657	683,910	495,004
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic									104,368	113,636	122,148
Basic earnings per common share	$1.63	$2.71	$1.81	$1.26	$1.55	$1.23	$0.63	$2.59	$7.38	$6.02	$4.05
Diluted earnings per common share
Net income available to common shareholders	$163,663	$279,104	$190,664	$137,227	$171,524	$137,121	$72,447	$302,816	$770,657	$683,910	$495,004
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic									104,368	113,636	122,148
Stock compensation plans									1,345	1,692	1,506
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted									105,713	115,328	123,654
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.60	$2.68	$1.79	$1.24	$1.52	$1.21	$0.62	$2.55	$7.29	$5.93	$4
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the dilutive computation									282	250	614

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_DETAILS

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized share capital, common	800,000,000	800,000,000
Par value per share, common	$0.01	$0.01
Shares issued, balance at beginning of period	174,134,000
Total shares issued at end of period	175,478,000	174,134,000
Treasury shares, balance at beginning of period	-64,649,000
Total treasury shares at end of period	-76,052,000	-64,649,000
Total shares outstanding	99,426,000	109,485,000
Cash dividends declared per common share	$1.10	$1.02	$0.97
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued, balance at beginning of period	174,134,000	171,867,000	170,159,000
Shares issued	1,344,000	2,267,000	1,708,000
Total shares issued at end of period	175,478,000	174,134,000	171,867,000
Treasury shares, balance at beginning of period	-64,649,000	-53,947,000	-44,571,000
Shares repurchased	-11,752,000	-10,830,000	-9,376,000
Shares reissued from treasury	349,000	128,000	0
Total treasury shares at end of period	-76,052,000	-64,649,000	-53,947,000
Total shares outstanding	99,426,000	109,485,000	117,920,000

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_DETAILS_2

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DETAILS 2) (Common Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 05, 2014
Treasury Shares [Line Items]
Value of share repurchase authorized by the Board of Directors during the period				$750,000,000
Total shares	11,752,000	10,830,000	9,376,000
Total cost	543,202,000	472,263,000	317,687,000
Average price per share	$46.22	$43.61	$33.88
In the open market [Member]
Treasury Shares [Line Items]
Total shares	11,317,000	7,362,000	6,057,000
Total cost	524,168,000	337,083,000	203,704,000
Average price per share	$46.32	$45.79	$33.63
From employees [Member]
Treasury Shares [Line Items]
Total shares	435,000	468,000	319,000
Total cost	19,034,000	19,080,000	10,483,000
Average price per share	$43.82	$40.75	$32.85
From founding shareholder [Member]
Treasury Shares [Line Items]
Total shares	0	3,000,000	3,000,000
Total cost	$0	$116,100,000	$103,500,000
Average price per share	$0	$38.70	$34.50
From founding shareholder [Member] \| Trident [Member]
Treasury Shares [Line Items]
Total shares		3,000,000	3,000,000

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_DETAILS_3

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended				6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 17, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2005	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2005	Jan. 15, 2013	Mar. 03, 2014	31-May-13
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares	$0	$3,081	$14,009
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value outstanding	627,843	627,843
Aggregate cash payment to acquire preferred shares	0	100,000	404,073
Series A 7.25% Preferred Shares [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value issued							250,000
Preferred shares, dividend rate								7.25%
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation preference repurchased				100,000		150,000
Preferred shares, par value per share				$0.01				$0.01
Preferred shares, liquidation preference per share				$25				$25
Preferred shares, dividend declared per share			$1.81		$0.45			$0.91
Preferred shares, dividends paid per share			$1.81						$1.36
Preferred shares, number of shares repurchased				4,000,000		6,000,000
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares				3,000		5,000
Series B 7.50% Preferred Shares [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value issued											250,000
Preferred shares, dividend rate	7.50%
Preferred shares, par value per share	$0.01
Preferred shares, liquidation preference per share	$100
Preferred shares, redemption price per share	$100
Preferred shares, floating dividend rate base	3.45%
Preferred shares, dividend declared per share	$7.50	$7.50	$7.50
Preferred shares, dividends paid per share	$7.50	$7.50	$7.50
Preferred shares, number of shares repurchased										2,471,570
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares										9,000
Preferred shares, number of shares outstanding	28,430
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value outstanding	3,000
Preferred shares, purchase price per share										$102.81
Aggregate cash payment to acquire preferred shares										254,000
Series C 6.875% Preferred Shares [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value issued						400,000
Preferred shares, dividend rate	6.88%
Preferred shares, par value per share	$0.01
Preferred shares, liquidation preference per share	$25
Preferred shares, redemption price per share	$25
Preferred shares, dividend declared per share	$1.72	$1.72	$1.41
Preferred shares, dividends paid per share	$1.72	$1.72	$0.98									$0.43
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value outstanding	400,000
Series D 5.50% Preferred Shares [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, aggregate liquidation value issued														$225,000
Preferred shares, dividend rate	5.50%
Preferred shares, par value per share	$0.01
Preferred shares, liquidation preference per share	$25
Preferred shares, redemption price per share	$25
Preferred shares, dividend declared per share	$1.38	$0.69
Preferred shares, dividends paid per share	$1.38	$0.34											$0.34

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_DETAILS_4

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DETAILS 4) (Dividend Adjustment [Member], Common Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Dividend Adjustment [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Out of period adjustment amount [Line Items]
Out of period adjustment amount	$31

NONCONTROLLING_INTEREST_DETAIL

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (DETAILS) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (DETAILS) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Decrease from return of capital to noncontrolling interests		($10,000,000)
Increase from issuance of preferred equity to noncontrolling interests		25,000,000
Assets		19,955,736,000	19,634,784,000
Liabilities		14,075,796,000	13,766,822,000
Ventures Re [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Third party non-voting redeemable preferred share capital	50,000,000
Decrease from return of capital to noncontrolling interests		-10,000,000
Increase from issuance of preferred equity to noncontrolling interests		25,000,000
Assets		97,000,000	50,000,000
Liabilities		$38,000,000	$0

NONCONTROLLING_INTEREST_DETAIL1

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2014	$50,000
Increase from issuance of preferred equity to noncontrolling interests	25,000
Decrease from return of capital to noncontrolling interests	-10,000
Amounts attributable from noncontrolling interests	-6,181	0	0
Balance at December 31, 2014	$58,819	$50,000

RETIREMENT_PLANS_DETAILS

RETIREMENT PLANS (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Total pension expenses	$21	$20	$20

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_DETAIL

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-12	31-May-09	31-May-07	Feb. 11, 2015
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted	1,121,066	1,007,425	2,447,700
Number of restricted stock granted which will settle in cash	1,018,083	847,425
Fair value of restricted stock and cash settled awards vested	$68	$70	$43
Unrecognized compensation costs	$112	$98
Weighted average period for recognition of share based compensation	2 years 102 days	2 years 164 days
Service Based Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted	1,053,000
Performance Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted	68,000
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares authorized for issuance under plan				6,000,000	4,000,000	5,000,000
Maximum number of shares to be issued under the plan	15,000,000
Number of awards available for grant under plan	5,868,286
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of time subsequent to a change in control during which plan allows for accelerated vesting of awards for certain terminations	2 years
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock granted which will settle in cash							485,784
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Graded Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual award vesting percentage	25.00%
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Service Based Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted							977,253
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Service Based Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Cliff Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
General award vesting period	3 years
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Service Based Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Graded Vesting [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
General award vesting period	4 years
2007 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Performance Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted							78,441
2003 Long-term Equity Compensation Plan [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiry date from date of grant	10 years

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_DETAIL1

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Reconcilation of Beginning and Ending Balance of Nonvested Restricted Stock (including RSUs) [Line Items]
Granted (number)	1,121,066	1,007,425	2,447,700
Weighted average grant date fair value - granted	$44.46	$39.52	$32.20
Share based compensation expense incurred	$73,000,000	$57,000,000	$68,000,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation costs incurred	14,000,000	10,000,000	8,000,000
Number of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted which will settle in cash	1,018,083	847,425
Liability for cash-settled units	21,000,000	9,000,000
Service Based Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Reconcilation of Beginning and Ending Balance of Nonvested Restricted Stock (including RSUs) [Line Items]
Nonvested restricted stock (number) - beginning of period	3,430,000
Granted (number)	1,053,000
Vested (number)	-1,474,000
Forfeited (number)	-241,000
Nonvested restricted stock (number) - end of period	2,768,000
Weighted average grant date fair value - beginning of period	$34.72
Weighted average grant date fair value - granted	$44.47
Weighted average grant date fair value - vested	$33.83
Weighted average grant date fair value - forfeited	$36.96
Weighted average grant date fair value - end of period	$38.70
Accelerated and incremental share-based compensation expense related to senior leadership transitions			$20,000,000
Number of employees impacted by restricted stock award modifications during the period			1
Performance Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Reconcilation of Beginning and Ending Balance of Nonvested Restricted Stock (including RSUs) [Line Items]
Nonvested restricted stock (number) - beginning of period	283,000
Granted (number)	68,000
Vested (number)	0
Forfeited (number)	-4,000
Nonvested restricted stock (number) - end of period	347,000
Weighted average grant date fair value - beginning of period	$35.74
Weighted average grant date fair value - granted	$44.33
Weighted average grant date fair value - vested	$0
Weighted average grant date fair value - forfeited	$44.33
Weighted average grant date fair value - end of period	$37.34

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_DETAIL2

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding and exercisable, beginning of year	213
Granted	0
Exercised	-193
Expired	0
Options outstanding and exercisable, end of year	20	213
Options exercisable	20	213
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward]
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding, beginning of year	$27.98
Granted	$0
Exercised	$27.97
Expired	$0
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding, end of year	$28.02	$27.98
Weighted average exercise price, options exercisable	$28.02	$27.98
Weighted average remaining contractual term, options outstanding	0 years 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, options exercisable	0 years 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding	$461,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable	461,000
Aggregate intrinsic value, options excerised	4,000,000	10,000,000
Proceeds received on exercise from options	$5,000,000	$17,000,000

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_DET

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Dec. 31, 2014	security	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments related to other investments	$123		$168
Percentage ownership by related parties	45.00%
Blackstone Debt Advisors L.P. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of CLO investments where related party is collateral manager		4
Blackstone Alternative Asset Management L.P. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of hedge fund investments where related party is manager		2
Blackstone Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees paid to related party		1
Stone Point Group [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees paid to related party	4		2	2
NXT Capital [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees paid to related party	1
Unfunded commitments related to other investments	30
Chairman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees paid to related party	$1		$1	$0

INCOME_TAXES_DETAILS

INCOME TAXES (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income tax expense [Line Items]
Total income tax expense	$25,908	$7,002	$3,287
Net current tax receivables (payable)	-11,203	5,689	1,164
Net deferred tax assets	89,405	80,258	52,794
Net tax assets	78,202	85,947	53,958
United States [Member]
Income tax expense [Line Items]
Current income tax expense (benefit)	8,411	12,466	4,931
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,313	-13,976	-10,749
Europe [Member]
Income tax expense [Line Items]
Current income tax expense (benefit)	16,582	9,039	8,566
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-399	-526	713
Other [Member]
Income tax expense [Line Items]
Current income tax expense (benefit)	1	0	-174
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$0	($1)	$0

INCOME_TAXES_DETAILS_2

INCOME TAXES (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets
Discounting of loss reserves	$59,852	$59,023
Unearned premiums	39,661	39,146
Operating loss carryforwards	26,016	20,316
Accruals not currently deductible	44,082	39,018
Other investment adjustments and impairments	4,001	7,859
Tax credits	15,412	11,886
Depreciation	0	2,410
Other deferred tax assets	1,324	2,906
Deferred tax assets before valulation allowance	190,348	182,564
Valuation allowance	-34,094	-25,542
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	156,254	157,022
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition costs	-37,712	-37,226
Net unrealized gains on investments	-12,792	-23,200
Amortization of intangible assets and goodwill	-10,778	-10,059
Accrued market discounts	-707	-1,151
Equalization reserves	-3,554	-2,080
Other deferred tax liabilities	-1,306	-3,048
Deferred tax liabilities	-66,849	-76,764
Net deferred tax assets	$89,405	$80,258	$52,794

INCOME_TAXES_DETAILS_3

INCOME TAXES (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Singapore [Member]
Income tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$110	$115
Australia [Member]
Income tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	68	45
Europe [Member]
Income tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward	7	4
United States [Member]
Income tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Alternative minimum tax credit	$8	$7

INCOME_TAXES_DETAILS_4

INCOME TAXES (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, end of year	$34,094	$25,542
Income Tax Expense [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, beginning of year			33,933
Valuation allowance, end of year	34,865	27,070	33,933
Income Tax Expense [Member] \| Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	3,044	-794
Income Tax Expense [Member] \| Capital Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	1,262	0
Income Tax Expense [Member] \| Foreign Tax Credit [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	3,194	1,762
Income Tax Expense [Member] \| Australian CTA and accruals and rate differentials [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	1,052	0
Income Tax Expense [Member] \| Change in investment-related items [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	-757	-7,831
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Valuation allowance, beginning of year			-9,359
Valuation allowance, end of year	-771	-1,528	-9,359
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Change in investment-related items [Member]
Valuation allowance movement [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	$757	$7,831

INCOME_TAXES_DETAILS_5

INCOME TAXES (DETAILS 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Line Items]
Expected tax rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Valuation allowance	1.10%	-0.70%	0.60%
Net tax exempt income	-0.70%	-1.30%	-1.50%
Other	-0.60%	-0.40%	-0.30%
Actual tax rate	3.10%	1.00%	0.60%
Income before income taxes - Bermuda (domestic)	$690,517	$625,490	$485,613
Income before income taxes - foreign	139,955	108,977	64,915
Income before income taxes	$830,472	$734,467	$550,528
United States [Member]
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Line Items]
Foreign taxes at local expected rates	1.80%	2.10%	0.40%
Europe [Member]
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Line Items]
Foreign taxes at local expected rates	1.50%	1.00%	1.40%
Other [Member]
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Line Items]
Foreign taxes at local expected rates	0.00%	0.30%	0.00%

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Before Tax Amount
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year	($22,704)	($169,614)	$378,040
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	-141,172	-67,156	-127,828
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	-163,876	-236,770	250,212
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-10,262	-21,414	510
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity and reclassification adjustment			1,718
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-174,138	-258,184	252,440
Tax (Expense) Benefit
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year	-15,963	7,782	-29,530
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	26,702	5,605	11,550
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	10,739	13,387	-17,980
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0	0
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity and reclassification adjustment			0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	10,739	13,387	-17,980
Net of Tax Amount
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year	-38,667	-161,832	348,510
Adjustment for reclassification of net realized investment gains and OTTI losses recognized in net income	-114,470	-61,551	-116,278
Unrealized investment gains (losses) arising during the year, net of reclassification adjustment	-153,137	-223,383	232,232
Non-credit portion of OTTI losses	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-10,262	-21,414	510
Net change in benefit plan assets and obligations recognized in equity and reclassification adjustment	0	0	1,718
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($163,399)	($244,797)	$234,460

OTHER_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_LOS3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (DETAILS 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains									$163,335	$84,926	$151,703
OTTI losses									-31,227	-9,362	-24,234
Income before income taxes									830,472	734,467	550,528
General and administrative expenses									-621,876	-575,390	-560,981
Tax benefit									-25,908	-7,002	-3,287
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	173,685	289,126	200,686	147,249	181,546	150,635	83,725	311,557	810,745	727,465	547,241
Unrealized appreciation on Available for Sale Securities [Member] \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
Other realized investment gains									172,399	76,518	152,062
OTTI losses									-31,227	-9,362	-24,234
Income before income taxes									141,172	67,156	127,828
Tax benefit									-26,702	-5,605	-11,550
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital									114,470	61,551	116,278
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) [Member] \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of accumulated comprehensive income into net income available to common shareholders [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses									0	0	-1,718
Tax benefit									0	0	0
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital									$0	$0	($1,718)

STATUTORY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO2

STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statutory Financial Information [Line Items]
Statutory net income	$884,000,000	$766,000,000	$697,000,000
Bermuda [Member]
Statutory Financial Information [Line Items]
Required statutory capital and surplus	1,972,951,000	1,996,794,000
Available statutory capital and surplus	3,729,925,000	3,839,840,000
Minimum solvency margin amount	100,000,000
Minimum solvency margin percentage of net written premiums	50.00%
Minimum solvency margin percentage of net reserves	15.00%
Limit - prior year's total statutory capital surplus (Bermuda)	25.00%
Number of directors required to sign affadavit in order to pay dividend/distribution greater than 25% of prior year statutory capital and surplus	2
Maximum dividend/distribution payable without regulatory approval	932,000,000
Ireland [Member]
Statutory Financial Information [Line Items]
Required statutory capital and surplus	299,758,000	315,258,000
Available statutory capital and surplus	788,882,000	792,427,000
Maximum dividend/distribution payable with regulatory approval	177,000,000
United States [Member]
Statutory Financial Information [Line Items]
Required statutory capital and surplus	415,011,000	385,651,000
Available statutory capital and surplus	1,443,032,000	1,348,861,000
Maximum dividend/distribution payable without regulatory approval	$144,000,000
Maximum dividend limit - percentage of total statutory capital and surplus	10.00%

UNAUDITED_CONDENSED_QUARTERLY_2

UNAUDITED CONDENSED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net premiums earned	$958,517	$966,138	$1,000,400	$945,949	$941,911	$945,242	$945,873	$874,039	$3,870,999	$3,707,065	$3,415,463
Net investment income	78,595	66,562	114,867	82,744	113,863	103,429	83,112	108,908	342,766	409,312	380,957
Net realized investment gains (losses)	10,779	77,448	33,261	10,620	19,558	-4,708	16,235	44,478	132,108	75,564	127,469
Underwriting income	112,720	113,464	126,581	108,766	94,159	153,088	9,921	170,799
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	173,685	289,126	200,686	147,249	181,546	150,635	83,725	311,557	810,745	727,465	547,241
Net income available to common shareholders	$163,663	$279,104	$190,664	$137,227	$171,524	$137,121	$72,447	$302,816	$770,657	$683,910	$495,004
Basic earnings per common share	$1.63	$2.71	$1.81	$1.26	$1.55	$1.23	$0.63	$2.59	$7.38	$6.02	$4.05
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.60	$2.68	$1.79	$1.24	$1.52	$1.21	$0.62	$2.55	$7.29	$5.93	$4

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_PARENT_C

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEETS (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$921,830	$923,326	$759,817	$981,849
Other assets	250,670	273,385
Total assets	19,955,736	19,634,784
Liabilities
Senior notes	990,790	995,855
Other liabilities	315,471	248,822
Total liabilities	14,075,796	13,766,822
Shareholders' equity
Preferred shares	627,843	627,843
Common shares (2014: 175,478; 2013: 174,134 shares issued and 2014: 99,426; 2013: 109,485 shares outstanding)	2,191	2,174
Additional paid-in capital	2,285,016	2,240,125
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-45,574	117,825
Retained earnings	5,715,504	5,062,706
Treasury shares, at cost (2014: 76,052; 2013: 64,439 shares)	-2,763,859	-2,232,711
Total shareholders' equity attributable to AXIS Capital	5,821,121	5,817,962
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	19,955,736	19,634,784
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Assets
Investment in subsidiaries on equity basis	6,114,436	6,581,368
Cash and cash equivalents	7,041	4,414	2,841	2,363
Other assets	2,642	3,179
Total assets	6,124,119	6,588,961
Liabilities
Intercompany payable	213,149	204,877
Senior notes	0	499,906
Dividends payable	48,197	47,959
Other liabilities	41,652	18,257
Total liabilities	302,998	770,999
Shareholders' equity
Preferred shares	627,843	627,843
Common shares (2014: 175,478; 2013: 174,134 shares issued and 2014: 99,426; 2013: 109,485 shares outstanding)	2,191	2,174
Additional paid-in capital	2,285,016	2,240,125
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-45,574	117,825
Retained earnings	5,715,504	5,062,706
Treasury shares, at cost (2014: 76,052; 2013: 64,439 shares)	-2,763,859	-2,232,711
Total shareholders' equity attributable to AXIS Capital	5,821,121	5,817,962
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$6,124,119	$6,588,961

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_PARENT_C1

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET PARENTHETICAL (DETAILS 2)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued	175,478	174,134
Common shares, shares outstanding	99,426	109,485
Treasury shares, shares	76,052	64,649
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Common shares, shares issued	175,478	174,134
Common shares, shares outstanding	99,426	109,485
Treasury shares, shares	76,052	64,649

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_PARENT_C2

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET NOTES (DETAILS 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 01, 2014	Nov. 15, 2004	Mar. 23, 2010	Mar. 13, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes	$500,000,000	$0	$0
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes	494,344,000	0	0
Senior Notes [Member] \| 2004 AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Face amount				500,000,000
Interest rate				5.75%
Redemption of senior notes				500,000,000
Issue price (percentage of face amount)					99.79%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes					496,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| 2010 AXIS Capital Finance LLC Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Face amount	500,000,000
Interest rate	5.88%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)						99.62%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes						495,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2019 Axis Specialty Finance PLC 2014 [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Face amount	250,000,000
Interest rate	2.65%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)							99.90%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes							248,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2045 Axis Specialty Finance PLC 2014 [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Face amount	250,000,000
Interest rate	5.15%
Issue price (percentage of face amount)							99.47%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes							246,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Syndication Of Lenders [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	250,000,000
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Redemption of senior notes	500,000,000	0	0
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value	68,000,000	28,000,000
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| 2004 AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Face amount				500,000,000
Interest rate				5.75%
Redemption of senior notes				500,000,000
Issue price (percentage of face amount)					99.79%
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes					496,000,000
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| 2010 AXIS Capital Finance LLC Senior Notes [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.88%
Principal amount guaranteed	500,000,000
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2019 Axis Specialty Finance PLC 2014 [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.65%
Principal amount guaranteed	250,000,000
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2045 Axis Specialty Finance PLC 2014 [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.15%
Principal amount guaranteed	250,000,000
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Syndication Of Lenders [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value	0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$250,000,000
AXIS Specialty Finance PLC [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%
AXIS Specialty Finance PLC [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%
AXIS Specialty Finance LLC [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%
AXIS Specialty Finance LLC [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%
Subsidiaries [Member] \| Weather Related Derivative [Member] \| Full and Unconditional Guarantee of Debt [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in subsidiary	100.00%

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_PARENT_C3

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (DETAILS 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Total revenues									$4,346,523	$4,196,365	$3,926,565
Expenses
Interest expense and financing costs									74,695	61,979	61,863
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	173,685	289,126	200,686	147,249	181,546	150,635	83,725	311,557	810,745	727,465	547,241
Preferred share dividends									40,088	40,474	38,228
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	3,081	14,009
Net income available to common shareholders	163,663	279,104	190,664	137,227	171,524	137,121	72,447	302,816	770,657	683,910	495,004
Comprehensive income									641,165	482,668	781,701
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Revenues
Net investment income									3	5	25
Total revenues									3	5	25
Expenses
General and administrative expenses									57,998	40,565	62,293
Interest expense and financing costs									26,749	29,201	29,201
Total expenses									84,747	69,766	91,494
Loss before equity in net earnings of subsidiaries									-84,744	-69,761	-91,469
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries									895,489	797,226	638,710
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital									810,745	727,465	547,241
Preferred share dividends									40,088	40,474	38,228
Loss on repurchase of preferred shares									0	3,081	14,009
Net income available to common shareholders									770,657	683,910	495,004
Comprehensive income									$641,165	$482,668	$781,701

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_PARENT_C4

SCHEDULE II - CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (DETAILS 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	$810,745	$727,465	$547,241
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Other items	-81,202	789	-85,442
Net cash provided by operating activities	862,182	1,096,968	1,120,617
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash used in investing activities	-154,076	-489,287	-862,381
Cash flows from financing activities:
Redemption of senior notes	-500,000	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	0	218,449	393,544
Repurchase of preferred shares	0	-100,000	-404,073
Repurchase of common shares	-543,202	-472,263	-317,687
Dividends paid - common shares	-117,619	-118,426	-120,487
Dividends paid - preferred shares	-40,088	-39,193	-38,228
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	5,550	20,339	5,120
Net cash used in financing activities	-686,015	-441,094	-481,811
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,496	163,509	-222,032
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	923,326	759,817	981,849
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	921,830	923,326	759,817
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	68,850	58,125	58,125
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to AXIS Capital	810,745	727,465	547,241
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	-895,489	-797,226	-638,710
Change in intercompany payable	8,272	-38,375	-7,667
Dividends received from subsidiaries	724,000	566,000	525,000
Other items	53,865	34,803	56,425
Net cash provided by operating activities	701,393	492,667	482,289
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital repaid from subsidiary	496,593	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	496,593	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Redemption of senior notes	-500,000	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares	0	218,449	393,544
Repurchase of preferred shares	0	-100,000	-404,073
Repurchase of common shares	-543,202	-472,263	-317,687
Dividends paid - common shares	-117,619	-118,426	-120,487
Dividends paid - preferred shares	-40,088	-39,193	-38,228
Proceeds from issuance of common shares	5,550	20,339	5,120
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,195,359	-491,094	-481,811
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,627	1,573	478
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	4,414	2,841	2,363
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	7,041	4,414	2,841
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$28,750	$28,750	$28,750

SCHEDULE_III_SUPPLEMENTARY_INS1

SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	$466,987	$456,122	$389,248
Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses	9,596,797	9,582,140	9,058,731
Unearned Premiums	2,735,376	2,683,849	2,454,692
Net Premiums Earned	3,870,999	3,707,065	3,415,463
Net Investment Income	342,766	409,312	380,957
Losses and Loss Expenses	2,186,722	2,134,195	2,096,028
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs	737,197	664,191	627,653
Other Operating Expenses	621,876	575,390	560,981
Net Premiums Written	3,906,975	3,928,200	3,337,456
Insurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	135,111	150,109	128,311
Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses	5,063,147	4,873,184	4,492,553
Unearned Premiums	1,506,925	1,548,653	1,456,318
Net Premiums Earned	1,830,544	1,722,762	1,558,058
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Losses and Loss Expenses	1,131,880	1,050,402	953,564
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs	278,804	242,363	226,859
Other Operating Expenses	341,214	347,684	314,834
Net Premiums Written	1,779,501	1,813,538	1,522,245
Reinsurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	331,876	306,013	260,937
Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses	4,533,650	4,708,956	4,566,178
Unearned Premiums	1,228,451	1,135,196	998,374
Net Premiums Earned	2,040,455	1,984,303	1,857,405
Net Investment Income	0	0	0
Losses and Loss Expenses	1,054,842	1,083,793	1,142,464
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs	458,393	421,828	400,794
Other Operating Expenses	144,987	137,450	116,487
Net Premiums Written	2,127,474	2,114,662	1,815,211
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses	0	0	0
Unearned Premiums	0	0	0
Net Premiums Earned	0	0	0
Net Investment Income	342,766	409,312	380,957
Losses and Loss Expenses	0	0	0
Amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Other Operating Expenses	135,675	90,256	129,660
Net Premiums Written	$0	$0	$0

SCHEDULE_IV_SUPPLEMENTARY_REIN1

SCHEDULE IV - SUPPLEMENTARY REINSURANCE INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Direct Gross Premium	$2,009,974	$1,974,915	$1,805,887
Ceded To Other Companies	804,544	768,841	802,187
Assumed From Other Companies	2,701,545	2,722,126	2,333,756
Net Amount	3,906,975	3,928,200	3,337,456
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	69.10%	69.30%	69.90%
Property and Casualty [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Direct Gross Premium	1,882,695	1,920,203	1,765,407
Ceded To Other Companies	786,555	767,374	800,466
Assumed From Other Companies	2,548,174	2,508,363	2,213,441
Net Amount	3,644,314	3,661,192	3,178,382
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	69.90%	68.50%	69.60%
Accident and Health [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Direct Gross Premium	127,279	54,712	40,480
Ceded To Other Companies	17,989	1,467	1,721
Assumed From Other Companies	153,371	213,763	120,315
Net Amount	$262,661	$267,008	$159,074
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net	58.40%	80.10%	75.60%